I know you’ve got big goals, but what’s holding you back from achieving “the dream?” Reasons can come in all shapes and sizes, from the classic “I don’t have enough time” to the ever-popular “I’m not ready.” This week’s guest, Ross Hamilton, says that “reasons” are cleverly disguised barriers. We may think of them as little things, but those might stop us from reaching our goal. If your dream is essential to you, then make an effort for it.

Ross began in the world of BMX freestyle. His extraordinary skills and dedication in the world of BMX earned him a well-deserved reputation as a famous and influential figure in the sport. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when an injury forced him to retire from BMX. However, Hamilton’s conviction stayed the same. He switched careers and became a professional snowboarder. In a strange turn of events, he discovered real estate.

He amassed a portfolio of 50 residential properties. To Ross, it doesn’t always have to be a leap of faith. Sometimes, it can be done by simply reflecting on why you can’t work on it. Ask yourself, “How do my actions today influence my bigger goals?”

From Dumpster Diver to Real Estate Mogul

Hamilton’s early life was characterized by perseverance and a “fight or flight” mentality. After an injury ended his BMX career, he found himself working as a dumpster diver, collecting scrap materials and recycling them. One day, he realized that he was made for something else. He’s built to be more than just a dumpster diver. He used to be satisfied with daily survival. Through dumpster diving, he overcame hunger and failure.

But Ross chose to rewire his mindset. After reflecting on a bigger goal and what is important, he realized that “Huge boulders don’t exist anywhere but in your head. Your stories make obstacles, and you have the power to eliminate everything.” 

He thought of the little things he could be ignoring. He said, “Sometimes, big problems come from small, unnoticed ones.” A central tool in his arsenal is writing down excuses that may hinder progress. By identifying and addressing these barriers, he clears the path to success.

Setting a SMART Goal

Ross Hamilton’s upbringing and experiences clarified his motivations and inspired him to explore the world of real estate. During the interview, he shared how setting a SMART goal is a powerful method to turn your dreams into reality. 

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. By following these principles, you can craft goals that are clear and attainable. It should provide a roadmap for your journey to success.

• Specific: The first step in setting a SMART goal is to clarify it. Rather than saying, “I want to be healthier,” define your goal as “I want to lose 20 pounds.” The more precise your goal, the clearer your path to achieving it.
  
  
• Measurable: Next, ensure that your goal is measurable. This means you can track your progress and know when you’ve succeeded. If you want to read more, make it measurable by setting a target, such as “I will read 20 pages daily.”
  
  
• Achievable: Your goal should be challenging but realistic. Aim for something you can reasonably accomplish. Setting an attainable goal ensures you don’t set yourself up for frustration or failure. If your goal is to run a marathon, but this is the first time you’ve run, start with a 5k to make it more attainable.
  
  
• Relevant: Your goal should align with your values and long-term objectives. Ensure it’s appropriate to your life and the direction you want to move in. A goal should be meaningful and support your overall aspirations.
  
  
• Time-Bound: Finally, set a deadline for your goal. Without a timeframe, there’s no sense of urgency, and your goal may linger indefinitely. For example, “I will complete my novel within one year” adds a sense of commitment and time awareness to your goal-setting process.
  
  

To Ross, your daily activities should align with your SMART goal. It’s like your “north star” to align your small, manageable tasks.

Real Estate: A Passion and a Path to Wealth

Ross Hamilton’s passion for real estate shines through. He emphasizes that wealth is not synonymous with money but encompasses tangible assets like real estate. With his platform connecting investors and coaching, which has reached millions, Hamilton advocates for simplicity in real estate investment. His advice is to gradually add properties to one’s portfolio, demystifying the process of building wealth through real estate.

• Breaking Down Barriers to Real Estate. In Ross Hamilton’s view, the barrier to entry in real estate can be paralyzing due to over-analysis. To overcome this, he suggests making offers on properties, providing a practical and tangible entry point. Rather than getting overwhelmed by the complexity of real estate, the key is to take the first step.
  
  
• Powerful Tools for Real Estate (Subject to Seller Financing). Subject to clauses and seller financing, they emerge as powerful tools in Ross Hamilton’s real estate strategy. They offer a means to control property ownership, even for those without specific expertise in real estate. He shares insights into how these approaches can be leveraged effectively to create financial success.
  
  
• Creative Partnerships and Real Estate. Hamilton introduces the concept of innovative partnerships in real estate. He stresses that partnering with someone to provide funding, rather than acting as a lender, can be a valuable strategy. This approach allows individuals to gain equity in properties while sharing financial responsibilities.
  
  
• Giving Back. Ross passionately embraces the idea of using his talents to help others. Through his charity, SavingHomes.org, he aims to make a meaningful impact by saving homes from foreclosure and supporting single parents. He believes that giving to a charity can have a profound ripple effect, touching the lives of many and creating a lasting legacy.
  
  

A significant turning point in Ross Hamilton’s life was selling his tech company for a staggering $100 million. At the age of 40, he chose to retire and use his newfound wealth to start a charity aimed at helping those in need. Ross’s story is deeply rooted in the theme of rewiring priorities. It’s about redefining what truly matters and using one’s gifts to give back to the community.

Mastering Re-Wirement: Embracing Stillness, Being Present, and Believing in the Impossible

Ross Hamilton believes in being still and living in the moment. He knows how vital the “now what” part is for changing your priorities. He also guards the “bookends” of his day, carefully planning how he starts and ends each day. This is a crucial practical part of rewiring for him. He looks at these essential times critically to ensure they fit perfectly with his overall goals.

Lastly, Ross details the idea of a “peak mentality.” He stresses the importance of having unwavering faith, even when facing difficult obstacles. He recalls the awe-inspiring presence of Dave Mira, a BMX legend, who inspired him with tire marks on a ceiling after a remarkable backflip, teaching the valuable lesson of relentless belief. Ross Hamilton shows how a creative approach, removing obstacles, and believing in the impossible lead to extraordinary possibilities.

Exclusive Giveaway

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More of Ross:

• Website: connectedinvestors.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cirosshamilton
• Twitter: @cinvestors
• Non-profit: savinghomes.org