F1* - You are the way you are because that's the way you want to be.

You are the way you are because that's the way you want to be. If you really wanted to be any different, you would be in the process of changing right now.

This quote is attributed to FedEx founder Fred Smith. Though it's not fun to dwell on, it's hard to argue with his logic.

I am constantly reminded that I am the only one who can change me (I'm also frequently reminded that I cannot change anyone else; rather, it's up to them).

Six months ago, when I saw a picture of myself I was disappointed with part of my appearance. Then and there, I decided I needed to make some physical changes to get to where I wanted to be. It took three months of planning and working hard, but I accomplished everything I wanted to do.

Similarly, before I bought my first rental house, I knew I wanted to be a real estate investor. I hemmed and hawed for several months, but never even made an offer. Then one day I was presented with a call to action that showed me that I was the only one who was going to be make my real estate dream come true. No one else was going to do it for me or even force me to do it. If I wanted to buy a property, I had to make it happen. And, if I didn't get a property it was no one else's fault but my own.

I believe we have to think like Fred Smith or else we run the risk of remaining stuck in the status quo or, even worse, viewing ourselves as victims.

Right now, there are several aspects of my daily business life that I do not like. I either have to commit to change them or learn to accept them.

At the end of the day, I am who I am because that's who I'm choosing to be. Whether you believe it or not, you are, too.

What do you think about Fred Smith's quote?

*Be sure to read the Intro post to this blog series to get the most out of it.