November 27, 2024
Behind the Beard is changing up! But for the better (that’s my intention at least…)
Every week, I’ll send you insights with the intention of helping you become a better entrepreneur and real estate investor.
On all the other social media platforms, I typically shorten what I’m thinking about.
Over here, I’d love to dive deeper into the lesson I’ve learned (and am still learning).
So here’s one thing I’ve been thinking about recently.
Becoming a millionaire was both the HARDEST and the EASIEST thing I've ever done.
Here are 7 principles I’ve lived by, and they’ve transformed my life.
If you embrace these, they can do the same for you:
1. Buy assets, manage them well, and wait.
Wealth grows in the gap between action and patience.
For me, that asset was real estate.
For you, it could be something different—stocks, businesses, intellectual property.
But the rule is the same: pick your asset class, commit to learning it, then take action and stick with it.
2. Never say, “I can’t.” Instead, ask, “How can I?”
Your words shape your reality. Saying “I can’t” is a full stop—it ends the conversation in your mind.
But asking, “How can I?” opens doors.
It forces your brain to search for answers, opportunities, and solutions. This one shift has made the impossible possible in my life more times than I can count.
3. Get obsessed.
People called me obsessed with real estate like it was a bad thing, and maybe they were right.
But here’s the truth: obsession gets results. It’s the fuel that pushes you through long nights, setbacks, and the learning curve.
And honestly, I’d rather be obsessed with building financial freedom than with stressing over how to pay my bills for the next 40 years.
4. Consume the right media.
What you feed your brain matters. Podcasts, books, and social media are tools—they can build you up or break you down.
Choose media that inspires, educates, and aligns with your goals.
(Shameless plug: The BetterLife Podcast is a great place to start!)
Avoid the negativity and time-wasters that keep you stuck.
5. Scale your income, fix your expenses.
As your income grows, please for the love of everything… resist the urge to inflate your lifestyle.
Lifestyle creep is a trap. It’s a trap I’ve fallen into before when I was first starting out.
Use the gap between what you earn and what you spend to reinvest in your future. That’s how you compound your wealth over time.
6. Make it a team sport.
Wealth isn’t built in isolation.
Collaborate. Partner. Hire people smarter than you.
You might own a smaller piece of the pie, but the pie will be so much bigger.
You’ll come out further ahead because building a team multiplies your impact and accelerates your results.
7. Stay humble.
Never stop growing. Never think you’ve “arrived.”
Surround yourself with people who challenge you and elevate your thinking.
Be the smallest, least experienced person in the room whenever you can.
That's how I've continued to grow. It’s why I’m always bringing new people onto the podcast. One day I’ll know everything! But today… is not that day.
Some Tools I Recommend To Grow Your Business
Real estate is a relationship game. One way to land better deals is to do things that most in the industry don’t… personalize your marketing.
Whether you're looking to buy your next investment property or reach more potential sellers, Ballpoint Marketing handles it all—from building targeted lists to crafting and sending personalized notes.
Their 'done for you' service has been a game-changer for my business.
For up to 15% off, visit https://go.abetterlife.com/BallpointBTB.
One of my biggest headaches as a landlord in the past was finding trustworthy tenants.
To simplify this problem now, I’m a big fan of how TurboTenant helps in this area.
They have a free tenant screening tool that takes care of online background and credit checks. Over 700,000 landlords already trust it to find qualified tenants.
For those of you who want to scale your real estate business, you can learn more here: https://go.abetterlife.com/turbo-btb
One of the most powerful tools in real estate is something surprisingly simple: a handwritten note.
Respond and let me know what lessons you’d add based on your own experience. Would love to hear from you. Let me know if you’re on board with the new style of the newsletter also!
Love you!
P.S. When you’re ready, here are a few ways to work with me:
For new investors, check out my 12-month program that will help you land your first deal
For active investors looking to scale, join my community The BetterLife Tribe
For serious investors at the top who want to be surrounded by other titans of the industry, you can learn more about my exclusive mastermind, The Fifty