REI is like learning the guitar

[CJ M.]

This might sound like an odd subject, but to new investors, I wanted to share my own analogy of REI (based on personal experiences) when starting out.

Many years ago, I always wanted to learn the guitar. Bands would play at the local dive bars and clubs. I always tried to make it a point to buy the guitarist a beer when he/she would take a break so I could pick their brain. Occassionally, I would have the fortune of talking with him/her for a few minutes. Of course, I'd tell them they sounded great, ask them about the guitar, and more importantly, I'd share that I wanted to learn to play. It was always so strange...if we were talking about anything other than the guitar, they would talk, and talk, and talk. But whenever I said I was going to learn to play, more often than not, there was much less substance to the conversation and they didn't say much except maybe a few quick encouraging words. I never understood...well until I bought a guitar and learned the process/skill.

Fast-forward 10 years, I play guitar (still crappy, but can play). Now when I have conversations with other guitar players, I ask questions but also share my journey. The respect they give because they know I tried, sparks great conversations! Now when people say to me "I want to learn to play the guitar" I get it! What goes through my head is "how bad do you want to learn? It's not something you can just say you want to do, or something you can learn in a couple weeks. Are you willing to study and put in a ton of work!?"

Real estate is no different. When I started a little over a year ago I'd ask people about their investements and tell them I wanted to be a real estate investor. It was like talking with the guitarists all over again! My point is, in both situations people who have been there and done it, did so by discipline, hard work, and by actually doing something about it. How many times do "experts" cross paths with people who say "I want to learn that." They're probably desensitized to some degree because they know how much work and effort went into learning their craft. They know most people will quit and give up after a short period of time, so they don't waste a lot of of brain power talking about it with someone who has a high likelihood of quiting because of how much hard work is involved.

So, if you want something bad enough, do something, don't just talk about it. Be committed and put in the hard work! People will respect you.

Anyway, that's my story and I truly hope it helps someone here!