“You have to own it before you can fix it”. While it sounds like that would be a no-brainer, some people have a really hard time with it. We work with a lot of foreclosures which, after closing, are going to require substantial cleaning up, tearing out, rehabbing and/or remodeling. As soon as they are under contract the buyers want to know when they can begin the work. This happens with seasoned investors and first time buyers alike. No one likes it when we tell them they have to wait until closing.
But, that’s not where I was going with this topic. No. This time I’m not talking about owning a home but rather OWNING your situation. So many times we hear people blaming their situation on one thing or another. Someone gets fired from a job and, rather than taking responsibility for it. they blame a boss or supervisor who had it in for them. Perhaps you know someone who, after taking some kind of test and not scoring so well, blames it on the fact they “just aren’t good at testing” or any number of other excuses for their poor performance.
I was listening to a documentary today about a college football player who turned pro and then quit. He had some 
kind of socialization disorder and, for most of his life, was only happy at home in the dark. After years of therapy he finally came to the realization that he had been blaming everyone around him for his success or failures. Only when he took ownership of his life and of his behavior and actions did he start to see a change for the better.
Listening to him tell his story got me to thinking. Thinking about the buyers who have to wait until the OWN the home before they can REPAIR it and about people in general who need to take responsibility for themselves before they can improve their situation.
If you aren’t where you want to be stop and think. Are you making excuses for yourself. Have you blamed your parents, your spouse or your kids? Perhaps you’ve blamed your broker, your co-workers or even your clients. 
Anyone but yourself. If you want to change your situation you’ve got to take ownership of it. Take responsibility for it. But don’t stop there. It’s not enough to stop blaming others for where you are.
The next step is to TAKE CHARGE! Decide where you want to be and SET A GOAL. Map out a plan to get there and then EXECUTE it!
I look forward to hearing about your goals, plans and successes!!
