Why do people fear success? Some people feel undeserving of success. They are continually subconsciously sabotaging their dreams, hopes, and desires. They have a recurring negative mental image that takes priority in their thinking. It's what I call negative self-talk. They think they're not worthy or deserving of a good life. And they know it's true because they tell themselves that in countless ways. You have to replace the negative self-talk with positive affirmations. That's why I insist the members of my real estate investment group identify themselves as real estate investors. I demand that they say, "Hi, I'm so n' so, I'm a real estate investor." I want that statement to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. I want them to understand there is more out there. I want them to capture and enjoy success. I want to lead them from where they are into greater accomplishments. I want them to fulfill their potential. Fear of the Unknown When I was 14 years old, I lived near a bridge that crossed the Russian River. The boys in our town liked to jump from the bridge into the river, and I longed to do the same but the thought terrified me. Even though no one ever got hurt, I was still scared. One day I made up my mind I was going to do it. I remember that first jump as though it were yesterday. I can still feel the fear that swelled up inside me. I can still feel the wind slapping my face while falling midair. I can still feel the cool water as my feet broke the surface and I plummeted into the depths of the water, my knees buckling when I hit the river bottom. Gasping for air as my head cleared the surface of the water, I had a feeling of success. I had done it. I had proven myself to my peers. In the process, however, I overcame my fear. After my successful jump it was much easier the second time. It got easier with each additional jump, and eventually I had no fear at all. In real estate investing, we overcome fear with information. You get information by reading books, having a mentor, taking a class, purchasing a course, attending a boot camp, networking with like-minded people, and through experience. What is keeping you from jumping in and investing in real estate? What's holding you back and when will you start? At one point I had 26 offers accepted offers to purchase real estate and in escrow. But it would have never happened if I hadn't taken that first plunge into the investment market all those years ago. In summary, this is what you need to do: 1. If you fear failure, get educated and take action. It's the only way to gain power over your fear of failure. 2. If you fear success, define what it is that you want to accomplish and engage in positive self-talk and affirmations. 3. If you fear the unknown, jump in anyway. Jump in and enjoy the exhilaration of success. In our culture, it is quite common for people to accept their position in life. Oh, they may grumble about politicians, the opportunities their employers may offer, or complain that they don't have any extra money, but few do anything to implement change. You are already ahead of the crowd just by reading this book. You will truly be ahead of the game if you put even one or two principles you are about to learn into practice.