By Michael Yardney November 23, 2024

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Are These 5 Thoughts Secretly Sabotaging Your Success?

Michael Yardney's Commentary
Are These 5 Thoughts Secretly Sabotaging Your Success?

We all have an inner voice—a constant monologue that swings between cheering us on and, unfortunately, holding us back.

This inner dialogue can be our best ally or our worst enemy.

While the positive side of this voice encourages us to strive for success, the negative side can keep us rooted in fear and self-doubt, preventing us from seizing opportunities and taking the steps needed to reach our full potential.

Whether you're an aspiring property investor or someone striving for personal growth, these limiting thoughts can be especially detrimental.

They act as invisible barriers, stalling progress and fuelling hesitation.

The key is recognizing these thoughts for what they are—self-imposed limitations—and flipping the script.

Let’s explore five common thoughts that might be holding you back and how to reframe them, not just for personal growth but also in your property investment journey.

1. "I am not talented enough" (or “I don’t deserve success”)

Opportunities knock—whether it's a new investment, a career advancement, or a chance to lead—and instead of embracing them, you hesitate.

You wonder, “Am I really good enough?”

This is classic impostor syndrome: the persistent belief that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be.

This mindset is particularly damaging in property investment, where self-belief is critical.

Property investing is about making informed decisions, taking calculated risks, and learning from the inevitable setbacks.

If you’re constantly questioning your abilities, you might miss out on great deals or hesitate at crucial moments.

Instead, remind yourself: “I’ve worked hard to get here. I have the knowledge and the skills, and I have a great team of property strategists around me to help me on my property investment journey as well as a Strategic Property Plan so I know what to do and what not to do, and I am capable of achieving my goals.”

Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and even the most successful investors felt unsure at the beginning.

It’s your persistence and willingness to learn that will make the difference.

Think instead: "I have worked for this, and I will succeed. My experience and willingness to learn are my greatest assets."

2. "I am too busy"

We live in a fast-paced world where everyone seems to be juggling endless responsibilities.

It’s easy to default to “I’m too busy” when considering a new venture, like starting your property investment journey or expanding your portfolio.

But let's be honest: “Too busy” is often an excuse that masks a fear of change or the unknown.

The reality is, you get to decide what you make time for.

Property investment, like any worthwhile pursuit, requires commitment.

Yes, there’s never a perfect time to start, and there will always be competing priorities.

But if you wait for the perfect moment, you might wait forever.

Instead, see every opportunity as a chance to reprioritise and refocus.

Investing in property isn't just about finding the right deal; it's about creating the right mindset and making it a priority.

If you truly want to build wealth and secure your financial future, you’ll find a way to make the time.

Think instead: "Everyone is busy; I will make the time for what truly matters."

3. "I am not a born leader" (or “I can’t handle this responsibility”)

Leadership isn’t just about managing people; it’s about taking charge of your life and decisions.

Many potential property investors hold back because they don’t see themselves as leaders—they fear responsibility, potential failure, or simply stepping out of their comfort zones.

In property investment, you are the leader of your financial future.

You've probably heard me say it before: you must be the pilot of your life, not a passenger going along for a ride.

You’re making decisions that will impact your wealth and lifestyle, not just now but for generations to come.

Even seasoned investors sometimes feel overwhelmed, but the key is to push through those doubts.

Leadership in property investment means being proactive, staying informed, and not shying away from decisions that feel intimidating. It’s about learning from every deal, every mistake, and every success.

Remember, leaders are made through action, not born with a particular trait.

Think instead: "Leaders are made, not born. I am in control of my investment journey."

4. "I am not special" (or “I don’t have what it takes”)

It’s easy to think that success in property investing is reserved for those with special talents, insider knowledge, or some secret sauce that you simply don’t have.

The truth is, most successful investors aren’t inherently special; they’ve just been persistent and disciplined.

They’ve put in the hard work, stayed educated, set themselves strategic goals and plans and remained committed to their goals even when the going got tough.

In property, as in life, success is rarely about being special—it’s about consistency, dedication, and the willingness to take calculated risks.

It’s easy to think that only the wealthy or the well-connected can thrive in this field, but that’s a limiting belief.

What sets successful investors apart isn’t some extraordinary gift; it’s their mindset and their refusal to give up.

Think instead: "There is no such thing as special; there is only hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to learn."

5. "I am too Old" (or “It’s too late for me”)

Age is often cited as a reason to avoid new challenges, especially something as daunting as property investment.

But believing that success is reserved for the young is not just inaccurate—it’s self-defeating.

Experience, patience, and a mature perspective are invaluable assets in the property market.

Older investors often have the advantage of financial stability, a broader network, and a wealth of life experience to draw from.

These qualities can give you a leg up, whether it’s negotiating deals, managing risks, or simply having the patience to wait for the right opportunity.

Remember, it’s never too late to start investing in your future.

The market doesn’t discriminate by age—it rewards those who are prepared, informed, and willing to act.

Think instead: "Age is no barrier to success; it's a unique advantage that I can leverage."

Some final thoughts

These thoughts are more common than you might think, but they don’t have to define your actions.

By identifying and challenging these limiting beliefs, you can begin to replace them with empowering ones that propel you forward.

Whether it’s starting your journey in property investment or pursuing other personal goals, the mindset you bring to the table is half the battle.

Next time you catch yourself doubting your abilities or hesitating to take that next step, pause and reframe your thinking.

Every successful investor has faced these doubts at some point.

The difference is that they chose to push through, believe in themselves, and take action despite their inner critic.

Success isn’t just about the decisions you make; it’s about the mindset you bring to those decisions.

Your journey in property investment—or any venture—starts in your mind.

So, silence that inner critic, embrace your potential, and take the next step with confidence.

About Michael Yardney Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.