May 8, 2024

Something I’m Reading

I’m currently reading the fourth book in the Red Rising series, "Iron Gold” and I’m absolutely loving it. I know I’ve mentioned this series a few times and it really is my favorite book series of all time.

Something I Photographed

Nate Robbins (stage host of the BetterLife REI Summit) Tarl Yarber (the guy who made the whole event work through his company Fixated Events) and myself backstage just seconds before the REi Summit began!

Something I’m Excited About

Excited to be back home in Maui. I’m still buzzing off the event this past weekend. I got to meet hundreds of investors, lead worship for church service and just talk to a bunch of people about their real estate, goals and ambitions. It’s really great to see how well the Tribe is working and changing people’s lives.

Some Thoughts to (Hopefully) Make Your Life Better

When is “Enough Enough?!”

People often ask me… "Brandon, when is enough enough?" Maybe you’ve heard it yourself from a friend or family member. It doesn’t feel great, does it? It's often said with a derogatory tone, implying that you and I are greedy or unethical in some way. “Why can’t you just be content with what you have?”

But is ambition and content-ness opposing forces?

When people ask this, I believe the question reflects much more on THEIR insecurities around their achievements than being an actual question. They don’t have as much as you, and since no one wants to be the “bad guy” in their own life, it must be something YOU are doing wrong. That’s how they reduce the discomfort of their own lack of achievements.

But, let’s talk about it anyway. How do we relate those two things: being content and being ambitious?

Here's my thoughts:

The Christian Saint "Paul" says in a letter he wrote the people of the town of Philippi: “I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” ( Philippians 4:10-14; The Message) I love this sentiment and echo it. Being content does NOT mean not striving for more - it’s simply having joy and fulfillment in either case. Paul didn’t stop being ambitious (I mean… he was killed for how ambitious he was). In fact, the more ambitious I can be financially, the more wealth I can build and then give away. We can’t take it with us. Additionally, by building wealth, I’m creating JOBS so hundreds of other people can work. They, in turn, buy stuff that other people create and the entire world benefits. No one benefits by you or I playing small.

So, although I’m a long ways from Paul and his attitude, I try to remember that ambition and contentless are not two sides of a coin. They are not opposites. I am content in how my daughter Rosie is with her education, but it doesn’t mean I’m not ambitious to see her become smarter. I am content with my rental portfolio size, but doesn’t mean I don’t want to grow it 10x. BUT in that ambition, I will try to recognize that it’s a game and I should enjoy the time playing it, whether I reach my goals or not.

P.S. Comment below and let me know your thoughts on this week’s BTB! Please be friendly :)