WHAT’S YOUR COVID STORY?
Nope, not your Facebook story. Not your Instagram story either. What’s the real story: the one you will tell 20-30 years from now?
Imagine your kids or grandkids or great-grandkids asking, “What was it like? What did you do? How did you survive? Maybe even how did you thrive!”
To them, it will be a history lesson. But to us, TODAY, this is real life. Are you creating your story?
Sometimes I hear legitimate hero stories. Doctors and nurses who are literally working hard and risking their own health to save lives. Police officers and paramedics who walk into unknown and uncontrolled situations everyday—where they could be exposed to COVID—and many other risks.
Sometimes I hear everyday-hero stories. These are people who are out there donating blood, volunteering, and helping neighbours. Some folks are simply re-creating their business models to serve their customers, and keep as many jobs as possible. And some families are just taking care of each other. The common theme for all of these people is working together to figure things out!
And sometimes, I hear the heart-breaking stories. Really crummy things, happening to really good people. They were going along, living their lives, and did nothing to “deserve” the smack-down that COVID handed them. When I listen carefully, many of these people are now trying to figure out how to move on, and rise again someday. They are starting to find resources they never knew they had.
As a real estate investor, what is your COVID story? Are you taking massive action? Managing your properties well? Selling one or two at a loss—to save the other 10? Partnering with people to find a solution to your real estate problems?
There are as many solutions and stories out there as there are real estate investors! The point is that you can control some things—even if COVID rules prevent a lot of choices. Unfortunately, we also hear many people who are blocked from their first choice—and so they do nothing. They are waiting for the wind or the tides to change direction.
But do you really want to tell your grandkids that you just “waited it out?” Why not create your own solutions? If your retirement plans have been sabotaged by this virus—how can you move towards a brighter future? Yup, it’s hard. And every now and then, you just might need a “fall-apart” day. This is no time to quit!
The solutions won’t just fall in your lap—you’re going to need to go create your COVID “hero” story. There are some things you CAN still control and take ownership of. If nothing else, begin by asking questions and connecting online or in person (with social distancing). If you feel stuck, reach out—someone else might be able to see a solution, a choice or even multiple options.
