Are You Ready for the Long Game?

I was invited to a special event recently where I was introduced to Scott Mcgillivray, host of Income Properties TV show. This CIBC sponsored event showcased Scott speaking on where financial expertise meets real estate and renovation ingenuity. Not normally my thing.

But, Scott’s message resonated with me and here’s why. If you are going to invest in real estate then be prepared to stay in it for the long haul. The biggest profits come to those willing to look beyond short-term results.

I couldn’t help but think this is the same approach for any goals. Whether they are your career goals, personal goals and especially if you are an entrepreneur starting in business – committing to the long game will get you where you want to go. I’m not just talking profits. The same is true from dropping weight to building a client list.

Now those of you who have been following me know I have been espousing the benefits of focusing on the present moment. This is different. This is about having a vision and path forward and the intention of staying the course no matter what.

Here’s an example, a colleague and I were discussing how difficult it is in the first year of a business. We do lots of groundwork, networking, marketing, etc. with little immediate return. While this may be frustrating, I am very clear about being committed to the long game. I know that what I put out in service right now will come back to me later. When? Who knows? But I know for sure that the compounding effect (Scott’s term) is based on my long-term strategy and will manifest over time.

Sure we have all heard of or know people and businesses that have exceeded their goals very quickly. Their profits have soared in the first year or they climbed the corporate ladder in record time. Good for them! But here’s the thing, the faster you get there the more pressure there is to live up to that new reality. Making 6 figures in your first year means you have to continue the momentum to match or exceed that amount, which can present a whole new set of challenges.

Here’s what I’ve learned about committing to the long game:

1. Have a clear vision and time frame of what you want to achieve
2. Hold the intention that you are dedicated to the vision – the bigger picture
3. Remind yourself everyday that everything you do now will in some way come back later, often unexpectedly
4. Don’t compare yourself to others on the same path
5. Use advise from others only if it fits your vision
6. And above all, know that you are capable and, you know best what will work for you

Thanks Scott for reminding me that payouts don’t come immediately. The biggest payback comes from those willing to “buy and hold”.

Are you committed to your long game? If not, what is holding you back? Let us know.