It can be argued that a butterfly and a caterpillar are one and the same. OK, maybe they are – but not at the same time! It’s one or the other – but not both! So, which are you?
As real estate investors, we all start off the same – as caterpillars. We just know the basics: how to crawl, eat leaves and poop. Our world is limited to the tiny branch we’re clinging to. We’re not much to look at, and we’re preyed upon by just about every creature in the animal kingdom. Our life expectancy is about 12 seconds.
Now here’s the thing: God didn’t mean for caterpillars to stay caterpillars. He meant for them to grow and develop into beautiful, high-flying, far-traveling butterflies…but only those that are hardworking and resourceful get to complete the journey from caterpillar to butterfly.
Let’s ask again: Which are you? Do you realize that it’s your choice?
We have a friend named Bob. Bob is a good guy – a real likeable fellow. He has a good J-O-B but wants more. We’ve known him since 2004. Bob knows how to talk to sellers. He understands the paperwork behind a deal. He knows a good deal from a bad one. He has the financial resources to pay for a property. Want to know how many deals Bob has done? ZERO! NADA! GOOSE EGG! NOTHING! Bob is stuck being a caterpillar.
We also have friends named Joey and Ashley English. They’re in their thirties and expecting their fourth child. They got interested in becoming real estate investors around 2011. They are a couple who won’t be denied!
Every time we talk, they have another deal to tell me about. In the beginning, my advice was to pass on the “wonderful” deal they found because it wasn’t much of a good deal at all. Even though I told them “No!” about 50 times, they wouldn’t quit.
Then they finally came across a deal worth doing and bought it. Since those early days, they’ve helped a lot of people solve their real estate problems. They’ve done a lot of really great deals. They are now solid, experienced, successful real estate investors!
It was beautiful watching Joey and Ashley (and all their tater tots) go through their metamorphosis. They are no longer caterpillars. They are now full-grown butterflies! And here’s the best thing: Now that they’re butterflies, they can NEVER go back to being caterpillars!
We feel sorry for folks who refuse to make the leap…who are stuck clinging to the “safety” of their twig. They think they are grasping security. The truth is, they are anchored to mediocrity and if they continue doing what they are doing, they will never reach anything close to their full potential. Always remember: God doesn’t make junk! He wants you to be great! He needs you to be the best you that you can be!
So which are you, a butterfly or a caterpillar? The world loves butterflies and looks on them with awe. Meanwhile, caterpillars are bombarded with pesticides and cuss words.
Become a butterfly!
Do you seek real-world real estate investing information? Go to BillandKimCook.com. It’s packed with free creative deal structuring techniques and strategies. Bill and Kim Cook have been investing in real estate since 1990. Their portfolio consists of single-family rentals, a small mobile home park, plus notes and options. If you have questions, give Bill a call at 770-815-8727.
