Risk, continued

We have talked about risk; we know it is unavoidable and that you must
manage your risk. We only want to take calculated risks. We want to
measure every investment to make sure we know what we are doing
without losing our core motivation. The risks I take, come hell or high
water, will not stop me from obtaining my freedom. Period! No matter
what. Risk is unavoidable and I will manage it and so will you. You will
learn how to manage it yourself. What you tell yourself and what you
believe yourself to be, will always be. When you tell yourself, “I’m going
to do this; I’m going to move forward no matter what,” you will.

Let me give you an example that’s rather amusing. My wife comes from a
very traditional family. Before our engagement she suggested that I talk to
her father and ask him for permission to marry her. My reaction was,
“Wow. That would be nice. It would make her mom and dad proud that we
would seek their permission.” After we made arrangements to speak, I sat
down with them and my future wife and talked to her father and mother. It
turned out to be a two-hour discussion about why we shouldn’t get
married; why we should wait... and why we should do this and why we
should to that. After a while, I’d had enough. I’m a very determined
person, and when I decide I’m going to do something, I do it. You can be
the same way.

There is no reason why you need to be wishy-washy; move forward –
make your decisions and follow through. I made the decision to marry this
beautiful woman and no one would stop me. We were going to start a
family and live happily ever after. I looked my father-in-law square in the
eyes and said, “You know, we’ve been talking for a couple hours.” I was
very nice about it, but I said, “We’re getting married whether you like it or
not. I’m here out of respect for your daughter.” That was the end of the
discussion. He did not talk to me for an entire month. I dealt with the
consequences, but I was not going to allow a silly barrier like that stop me.
They thought they knew what was best for me and my wife when we knew
what we wanted to do. I was not going to allow them to get in the way of
our happiness.

It’s the same with risk. Many people let risk talk them out of investing.
When you set up your own barriers – when you create your own obstacles
to overcome – ask yourself why you do that. If you’ve decided to be
happy, well then be happy (darn it), and move forward. If you’ve decided
to invest, to create freedom for yourself and wealth, simply do it! Other
people do it all the time, why can’t you? You are no less special than
anyone else. You can do it, and that’s something you need to remember.
Risk in unavoidable, but can and must be managed; we supply you with
the right tools to effectively manage it. That’s what we do and that’s why
we are here.