Since you’re up to your ears in standard Happy T-Day and Holiday wishes I thought we could skip ahead to new year’s resolutions.

Personally, I love the new year because I get to look back on my successes and look forward to the next 365 days. It’s mind boggling how fast time passes. My kids are now 10 and 7 and it seems just like yesterday…

This year has been very interesting year with the economy and I know cash-flow has been an issue for some.

It is in these times of change that the greatest transfer of wealth happens.

You have so much possibility for abundance right now if front of you. Real estate investors are at an all you can eat deal buffet and most people are fasting! It would be a waste to be in the same place 3 years from now, let alone 20 years from now.

I hope you have some HUGE plans for 2009 because the opportunities for success (for those willing to do a little work) may not have ever been greater.

So to get you started here are 3 Success Tips:

1. Less Talk, More Action.
There are an endless number of hot air blowers that are full of talk and BS. Don’t be one of them. So quit talking about it and start doing!

2. Act Now, Not Later.
Have you ever noticed that when you get a great idea you’re real excited but as time passes the enthusiasm quickly wanes, details get hazy, and eventually you forget the entire idea?

Successful people take action quickly and you need to put action in place immediately. Next time you have a great idea write down the ACTION STEPS you WILL take. Your success depends on it.

3. Be Accountable To Yourself.
I know it sounds simple but it’s not. How many times have you told yourself you’re going to do something then don’t do it? Maybe it’s working out, eating better, etc. Every time you make a commitment to yourself and don’t keep it you are making it easier not be a man of your word.

This is personal… this is your integrity. You need to become a person of honor and uphold the commitments you make to yourself. In short if you tell yourself you are going to do something do it.

It’s habit forming and your success will skyrocket.

If you put these 3 things into practice, I can almost guarantee that you’ll be a winner in 2009.

Here’s a little theme music for 2009.

Author: Gerald Romine

Normally I am the bearer of good news but today is not one of those days.

The hard cold reality is that the economy sucks. 

People are losing their houses to foreclosure. Companies are laying off people. Banks are shutting their doors. A new President is coming which will bring in even more change and uncertaintity.

In short things are rough for most people.

But here’s where we have to draw the line in the sand and YOU need to decide which side of the line you’re gonig to be on. The dumb and broke side or the smart real estate investor and getting richer side.

My question to youAre you going to crawl up into the fetal position and cry like a baby and whine with everyone else over the economy? 

Most people will and statistically that includes you. Sorry to be so blunt but it’s decision time and you’re either going to step up or get rolled over.

Me? I’ve decided I’m not going to participate in the bad economy! Sorry… it’s simply not for me. 

So here’s 2 things I want you to do right now. (Take 15 WHOLE minutes to be by yourself).

  1. Ask yourself… Am I satisfied with where I am going in my life? (if yes you are done)
  2. Decide what you are going to do differently to get where you want to go in life.

I know… sounds simple but the sad truth is the dumb and broke people will do nothing and stay dumb and broke. They don’t have to buy anything, go anywhere, or do anything another than think and take fifiteen measely minutes of their time to participate in something that could be life changing. 

Pick your side of the line.

There’s your short and direct message from me to you. I’m hoping your in the 5% that take action.

Author: Gerald Romine

What a Crazy Week.

My good buddy Joe Barton was in town this week and it’s always a pleasure to hang out with him. Joe’s a leader in natural health and alternative remedies and you can check him out at http://www.bartonpublishing.com/blog/.

Last Saturday night we went out for a nice steak dinner at Monti’s Steakhouse with his team then headed over to Dave & Busters which is a Chuck E Cheese’s for adults with video games, basketball shooting, and an endless amount of video games all stuffed into a huge sports bar and restaurant.

Joe Barton Success Team With Gerald Romine
Chery,David, Joe Barton, Ben, Todd, and Gerald Romine

My video game playing days have long since passed me by… but when we get together the guy camaraderie and competition comes out and we head straight to the Nascar Racing or anything that is head to head competition. We had a blast acting like big kids and it was a great way for his team to cut loose and have some fun.

Joe Barton and Gerald Playing Games @ Dave & Busters
Gerald Romine With Joe Barton at Dave & Busters

Tuesday night found me in an “A League” softball tournament that was play and stay until a champion was crowned. First game we won easily. Second game we struggled and managed a 7 run rally in the third inning to win the game and advance. Third game we were beaten in the Championship Game by a better team that played error free softball.

But I have a confession… three games of back to back competitive softball was a serious physical workout. Man… my legs were sore for days but that had more to do with hitting three infield home runs and having to ‘boogie’ around the bases. Heck, I even slid head first into home plate which is a rarity for me because I don’t like to hit the dirt unless it is absolutely necessary. After the game we grabbed a few drinks at a sports bar and in no time it was midnight and I had to be up in a few hours to hike a mountain.

Wednesday Morning: Joe asked me to join his team and hike Camelback Mountain bright and early. And since I had agreed prior to thinking out the effects of a softball tournament, post game celebrations, and sleep deprivation I was not feeling 100% that morning.

Camelback may soundseasy because it is only 1.2 miles to the top… but to get there you gain over 1200′ in elevation, climb rocks, scramble over boulders, navigate rocky trails, and it starts off mean and just keeps getting worse. I must be a sado masochist because I hike camelback a few times a month and on this day I was thankful for the liesurly pace to the top.

Joe Barton & Gerald Romine On Camelback MountainJoe Barton & Gerald Romine On Camelback Mountain

Side note: A good time on Camelback Mountain is 30 minutes or less and there is an informal “Under 30″ club which is for the elite few. The best of the best can make it to the top in the low twenties.

While most people struggle to do Camelback 1 time there is one old timer in his 70’s(I think) known and loved by the regulars who hikes Camelback 2-3 times per day almost every day of the year. Just after this picture another hiker says “trip him… I’m trying to catch him.” The old timer is unbelievable and my hat goes off to him because I believe I could beat him up the mountain 1 time but know there is no chance of keeping up with for all three trips in the same day. There’s a lesson in humility and inspiration.

Gerald Romine With The Real Pro On Camelback Mountain
Gerald Romine With 2-3 Per Day Camelback Pro

Combine that with real estate, internet projects, and taking the kids out on Haloween and it’s a very full week. Life is great! And with tomorrow comes one more softball tournament!

My story is told in Real Estate Magic 101: How To Get Rich In Real Estate Even If You Are Dead Broke and I can’t recommend it enough. While many people are struggling in these financial times I learned real estate investing in a market that had zero appreciation at a time when I had no money for down payments and no ability to qualify for loans. Sound familiar? The best part is the book is a “how to” guide to teach you how to be successful in today’s market and for a lifetime.

Author: Gerald Romine