What The Snow Storm Taught Me About Mindset

[Vladimir Massillon]

Hi BP community, I'm Vladimir, a bartender in Chicago. First, a big thanks to everyone for their contributions. I've devoured the podcasts, books and forums and it's been an immense help in my journey. I currently pseudo househack a  2 bd condo via Airbnb. Also currently in the process of purchasing a duplex that should be closing in next month or so, and already eyeing the next acquisition for next year. So things are progressing well and I'm thankful for the help I've gotten here. Since I'm too much of a novice to contribute any meaningful real estate advice that hasn't been already shared I thought I'd share a story that just occurred.

A friend of mine just contacted me. Now he's the type of friend that when he does contact you, you know at some point the conversation will steer into him asking to borrow money. He explained how he's been looking for any type of gig without luck, and just needs to 'borrow' some money to tide over with groceries etc. I'm emphatic so I said sure. But I also pointed out to him that right now Chicago is blanketed with snow. Most cars and driveways are under a feet of snow. Most of those owners would gladly pay $15-30 to have someone do it for them. I did some quick air math and showed him that if he were to start now he could easily earn a few hundred dollars of cash on hand by the end of the day. And all it would take is a shovel and couple knocks on  doors. How did my friend react? By shutting the idea down with every excuse of why it wouldn't work. I shook my head and let it go.

I thought that interaction was a perfect example of the Mindset difference between doers and excuse makers that the successful guest on the BP podcast often talk about. And then I thought to myself, you know what I'm actually off work today. I was going to go to the gym twice and spend the rest of the time finishing the book ABC of Real Estate Investing . Why don't I get the audiobook version, grab a shovel, and knock on some doors. I'd still be consuming the information, staying physical active, all while  earning some money. 

Sad to say but I believe that my friend will always remain broke unless he were to drastically change his mindset. While I'm confident that if I keep applying myself, keep working hard, that with a little bit of luck I will reach my goal of financial freedom relatively early. The only major difference between the two of us, is our mindset.

Anyways thank you very much for anyone that read this. And thanks again for the great information on this site. I'm always up for meeting any Bpers if you're ever in Chicago.

Best wishes all