The 3 U’s of Success

The 3 U’s of Success is the twenty-first in a series of articles to help you reach your goal. What are your goals? I know you thought about it! You know, it is your dream, wish or resolution you made! Before you can get to where you want to be, you need to know where you are going. You wouldn’t get on a bus, train or plane without knowing where it was going.

Background

As a young person, I remember my school guidance counselor telling my mother that I was average!  No one wants to hear you are just average!  Even, if it is among the brightest students at a prestigious prep school.  As an adult, I believe I was underestimated and that is okay.  I constantly show up for things and no one would identify me as the guy most likely to succeed.  The irony is I exceeded all expectations and managed to achieve financial independence at thirty-eight (38) years old.  Not bad for an underachiever.

When I invest in assets, I try to find undervalued properties.  My first house was a divorce sale.  The owners were going through a divorce and sold their house at a lower price.  It needed work, but the amount of work was far less than the money I saved.  I was looking for the best negotiating position I could find at the time.  I did that time and again when I bought rental property.  I think everyone tries to do that whether they are buying a home, investment or just a product or service, but I take it further.  I never pay retail.  Buying at discount is buying assets that are undervalued.

The most determined person will always win!  I think I am the most determined person and would characterize myself as unstoppable!  I don’t let anything or anyone stop me from achieving my goal.  Sometimes the deadline may move, but I will keep trying when others quit or give up.  Does it make me unique?  I do not know, but I think it separates me from the vast majority of people.  Are you persistent, tenacious and unstoppable?  You need to make your best effort each and every time or you will have regrets.

Underestimate

Underestimate means to regard as less capable than they really are.  I think it is better to be underestimated than overrated.  If everyone expects you to succeed, it is places pressure on you to perform.  Failing in these circumstances is very visible.  Hard work trumps genius every time.  Are you the odds on winner and disappoint?  I think the underdog is much more interesting and highly regarded.  Your competition do not even have you on the radar. Just because you are underestimated doesn’t mean you are an underachiever!

Undervalue

Undervalue means to value, rate or estimate below the real worth.  Do you see a theme?  If you are underestimated, you are probably undervalued!  I apply undervalue to assets which smacks of Benjamin Graham/Warren Buffet philosophy of value investing.  Investing in the broadest sense is buying assets which include a home, investments (equities/income property) and collectibles.  Either you look for a great value (something undervalued) or find something before it is has much value.  The latter would be art, collectibles etc.

Unstoppable

Unstoppable is difficult or unstoppable to preclude or stop.  Superheroes fall in that category, but you can be unstoppable too.  The main ingredient is a strong will!  If you never give up, you will definitely make your goal.  It may take longer because you keep trying after numerous fails, but you will succeed.  Most people don’t keep trying and just give up too soon.  What motivates someone who is unstoppable?  It may be fear of failure, or some other fear.  Whatever the motivation, keep going and you too are unstoppable.

Final Thoughts

This is the twenty-first article in the series about success; I expect to publish throughout 2012. There will be twenty-six (26) of them, one for each letter of the alphabet. The 3 U’s of success are underestimate, undervalue and unstoppable.  I think everyone wants success in life; business and career; however it takes a concerted effort to reach success. The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.” Tommy Lasorda sums it up much better than I can!

I started this series because I run into so many people who have difficulty reaching success. They want to know my secrets! So I thought I would share them in a format that will be most helpful. I also think this format may make it more interesting and easier to use. My goal in these articles to provide useful and interesting information that will help you succeed. The 3 U’s of Success is now a series.

Photo by:  Melody Campbell