What keeps you going

[Fernando R.]

Hello BP Community,

I'm just getting started in real estate investing.  I literally just made my first offer on a house yesterday.  I just wanted to get a quick idea of what keeps all of you experienced people going.  I know that for me, it's my family.  My turning point was the first time I had to go to work and I saw my one-year-old son's sad face because he knew I was leaving.  At that moment my was heart broken.  I understood the pain my little guy was going through because I was leaving him alone.  I leave him at day care every day and hope that they're taking good care of him, but I don't know for sure.  He can't speak yet so I'm at their mercy.  

  It was at that moment that I realized I was on the wrong path.  I'm climbing the corporate ladder but there are no guarantees.  I'm at the point where I have to play politics if I want to get ahead.  And that's just not me.  I am the type of person who would like to get ahead because I earned it, not  because my boss likes me.  

Seeing my son's face  I understood that I was doing what I had to do to pay the bills but that i was not on the path to financial freedom.  Before then, I understood that I was on the wrong path to financial freedom.  However, at that very moment I understood the impact of my failure to act.  

I'm just beginning on my journey.  I hope I am able to stick it through the hardships and that I don't get complacent if I find early success.  But in the event I get lost, hopefully everyone's stories will reel me back in.  

My intent with this discussion is to learn what keeps everyone going.  And hopefully to remind a few of you of why you got started in the first place.  I look forward to your responses.