Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada spoke about the contradictions of human nature:
“Some people dream of having a swimming pool at home, while those who have one hardly ever use it. Those who have lost a loved one feel a profound sense of loss, while others often complain about their living relatives. Those without a partner long for one, while those who have one often don't appreciate it. The hungry would give anything for a meal, while the satiated complain about the taste of their food. Those without a car dream of owning one, while those who have a car are always looking for a better one.”
The key to happiness is gratitude: truly seeing and appreciating what we already have, and understanding that somewhere, someone would give anything for what we take for granted.
It’s never to late to reinvent yourself.
To become the latest and greatest version of you.
From 2011 - mid 2017 I was an acquisitions guy at a local firm.
We bought multifamily all over the US.
I made $200-$350k/year on average (was mostly commission based) and had my job on auto pilot.
Brokers called me to offer their deals.
We bought roughly 8,000 units during those 6 years.
Success!
But something wasn’t right. I wasn’t enjoying myself. I didn’t feel like me.
I felt like I was slowly dying.
I was unhappy with how I showed up in the world.
In 2016, my mom died. We had our second daughter. My college roommate died.
I had a mid life crisis at 38.
I decided I was done living that life.
I made plans and then in 2017 I quit my job and started a development firm.
I grew my hair long. I grew a beard. I started wearing jeans and Jordans every day.
I decided I was going to do things my way. Whether I succeeded or failed.
As I told my new friend @isaacfrench_ yesterday, the best part of the last 6 years isn’t that I started a successful company. Or developed cool buildings. Or got rich.
I was that I did those things as the most authentic version of myself.
My life has changed a lot in 6 years.
I’m a well known developer in my city. I’m an online influencer. I’m an advisor to other real estate companies.
Things are just getting going for me.
This is not meant to be a self-congratulatory post.
Rather, a push to you. Take that risk. Do that thing you are scared to do. Be yourself.
If I had listened to other people, and my fear, I’d have died someday never having developed a single building.
Seems odd now.
But it very, very easily could have happened.
Don’t let it happen to you.
Go get it.
My favorite examples of shooting your shot:
1. Elon Musk cold-calling rocket expert Jim Cantrell to convince him to help him colonize Mars in 65 words (the pitch worked).
Nikola Jokic this postseason:
— 30/14/10
— 55/46/80%
— Beat KD and Booker in 6
— Beat LeBron and AD in 4
— Beat playoff Jimmy in 5
— Most playoff triple-doubles ever
— Most assists ever by a center
— First 30/20/10 Finals game
— Finals MVP
Top __ playoff run all-time.
@getnickwright He’s an unbelievable player, one of greatest to play the game, but enough already! Dude got swept and all you’ve done is ride his jock. HE LOST in 4 straight! Move on.
I never doubted myself, but this exceeds my imagination. Two chapters closed: student and athlete. This proves what hard work and passion can really achieve. It’s been a blessing to partake in such a fulfilling journey.