The Learning Curve
In Life's journey, becoming masterful at a craft or skill, whether it be in personal development or in real estate as an agent and/or investor, or any other discipline for that matter ... understanding the stages of competence is crucial.
The path from Unconscious Incompetence to Unconscious Competence isn't just about acquiring skills; it's a testament to growth, resilience, and the willingness to seek guidance.
My over 20 year journey in the real estate world have proven this path time and again. My successes hinge not only on knowledge and experience but also on the humility to ask for help and the wisdom to learn from those farther along the path.
The Four Stages of Competence in Real Estate
Unconscious Incompetence: This is where every aspiring real estate professional begins. You may not know how to evaluate a property, negotiate a deal, or manage a renovation project because you're unaware of what you don't know.
During my first fix/flip project, I didn't know my ass from a hole in the ground. Having been an agent for 17+ years helped with the mechanics of writing a contract and going to closing, but I didn't know anything about Hard Money Lending, developing an accurate scope of work, managing contractors, pricing supplies, and most importantly managing myself and the emotions that come along with running behind schedule and over budget. I'm grateful to have started a community of like minded agents/investors who want to be mentored by experienced investors. When I started, having access to my mentors on a daily basis was paramount to closing that first deal with a $35,000 profit.
The beauty of this stage is it's being a launchpad of limitless potential for growth.
Conscious Incompetence: Recognition of your limitations is the first step toward skill acquisition. In real estate, this might mean acknowledging that you're not adept at understanding market trends or that your negotiation skills need polishing. It's a call to action—a sign to start learning and practicing.
Dan Sullivan's Who Not How is a great resource when you feel like you are stuck in the mindspace of knowing what you don't know and working thru the pros and cons of diving deep into the learning the HOW or realizing that finding a WHO is the better option.
Conscious Competence: Through hard work, you've gained competence. You can successfully close deals, manage properties, or renovate houses, but it requires effort and concentration. Each successful transaction is a victory, a proof of your growing expertise.
Unconscious Competence: The pinnacle of your journey. Skills become second nature. Evaluating properties, networking, negotiating deals, or managing renovations flow effortlessly. Your actions are driven by intuition honed by experience, and success in real estate feels almost automatic.
Embracing Help on the Path to Mastery
The myth that high achievers in real estate never seek help is just that—a myth. The truth is, the real estate industry, with its complexities and continuous evolution, demands collaboration and mentorship. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer, there's always more to learn, and the wisdom of a mentor can illuminate the path ahead. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a strategy for success.
During my journey, I've learned the value of humility and the strength in asking for guidance. I recognize my areas of unconscious incompetence not as limitations, but as opportunities for growth. With every property I evaluate, every deal I close, and every challenge I overcome, I move closer to unconscious competence—where success in real estate isn't just a goal, but a reality.
Whether you're looking to buy your first home, invest in property, or navigate the complexities of the real estate market, remember, no one becomes a Jedi Master without first being a Padawan.
My commitment to you is not just as a real estate professional but as a guide, ready to support you through every stage of your real estate journey.
To that end, in addition to GRID Gaithersburg, I'm going to be creating a Community on the Skool platform where I will be posting content spanning the spectrum from mindset to lead generation to follow-up systems to negotiation and financing strategies and least of all, content on maintaining health and vitality, because a weak mind and weak body lead to weak-minded decisions and execution.
I've already partnered with a Google Ad Words expert and will bring other expert content-creators into the Community to share the Jedi Mastery.
I'm looking for Jedi Masters who can strengthen this Community. If you are one, or know someone I should connect with, please let me know.
Aroo! Aroo! Aroo!
PS .. Skool is an innovative online community platform that provides interactive learning and networking. It is a dynamic space where you can create courses, foster discussions, and build a community of like-minded people. Check it out(please make sure the site shows that I referred you) .. you just may find another Community to 2 or 3 or more that you connect with.
