Mayowa Oluyede

A research report has shown that employee motivation levels are declining in the UK, with 29% of employees surveyed in 2018 acknowledging that they were not motivated at work in the year before. 

When asked about what affected motivational levels in the workplace, some of the answers were: lack of career progression, not having a good work-life balance, and working at a job that is not challenging. 

People want a good work-life balance that gives a sense of satisfaction and growth, but that does not come free to anyone. And that perhaps is the root cause of declining motivation levels in the society. 

How to be motivated 

First, you need to acknowledge the fact that humans have one capacity beyond that of the lower life forms: “We have the volitional power to choose our own goals. We have the power of reason which includes the capacity to form concepts through the process of thought.”

Hence, the goal-setting theory developed by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham; both Professors of Motivation and Organizational Psychology. The theory, based on more than 1000 studies, explains how goals can be used to regulate and improve your performance by identifying the type of goal and what it requires to get done.

Types of Goals

The goal-setting theory posits that there are four basic types of goals. They can be for:

• Behavioral (e.g., contact five potential clients every day), 
• Learning (e.g., discover 5 ways to improve your putting)
• Outcomes (e.g., increase sales by 10% in the next 12 months). These can be used separately or in combination.)
• On tasks where new knowledge has to be acquired, as to do one’s best is performing a task.

Attributes of effective goal setting. 

Goals need to be clear (specific). If they are vague or ambiguous, people will interpret them in their own idiosyncratic way. For example, telling people to “do their best” has no clear meaning. It does not lead people to do their best because the best is not defined. If you want people to do their best or come close to it, the goal has to be both specific and challenging.  If the goal is too easy, people will not have to try hard to reach it. If a goal is too hard (e.g., impossible) people may give up pursuing it.

A word is in order about what Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric called “stretch goals.” These are goals that are so hard that they may not be possible to reach (e.g., increase sales by 100% in the next year). However, under the right conditions, stretch goals can still be a motivation if it is made clear that it is for the purpose of stimulating creative thinking (“thinking outside the box”), and that there will be no penalty for not attaining them. 

However, specific, and challenging goals affect action in three ways. It helps to call attention to what is important and thus to direct our actions accordingly.  

Setting goals also help us to mobilize effort in proportion to what a task requires and challenging goals lead to more energy being mobilized than easier goals. 

Further, goals affect persistence. If people are committed to the goal, they will not stop until it is reached. Finally, goals motivate people to utilize or search for task strategies that will be effective for attaining them.

One of our utmost goal in life is to be a happy-go-lucky fellow that is highly motivated to pursue and have a fulfilling life.  But for that goal setting to be effective, there are conditions required. 

1. First, there must be objective feedback to reveal the degree of progress toward the goal. This allows people to adjust their effort level and strategies especially if they are not making progress.  
2. Second, there must be a commitment to the goal. Commitment is highest when the goal is important to an individual, and the individual has the knowledge/skill needed to attain it. 
3. Knowledge or skill (i.e., ability) is a third moderating condition. 
4. Finally, organizational support in the form of resources (i.e., time, equipment, and budget) facilitates goal attainment.

A non-motivated life is an unfulfilled life, don’t let that be your case. Pick a pen or grab your digital notepad now and start setting smart, realistic and stretch goals, because it will help you become highly motivated and therefore more successful in life. 

P.S: Do you have any questions on how I consistently pursued my goals until I succeeded as a property investor and how you can too? 

Click here Book a free 30 minutes consultation with me today. 

I know a friend who accomplishes all his set goals almost all the time. And I have studied his way of doing things. Do you know what I found out? 

He lives by what Simon Bailey calls the consistency cocktail. So what is the consistency cocktail you ask?

I know you’ve had a cocktail drink and you probably like it because of its mix of ingredients. 

Interestingly, this is what Simon also means that mastering consistency is a mix of strategies and habits that help us become smart, successful, and skillful in life. 

So what are the 3 ways you can use to master consistency in anything? 

This first ingredient makes up the largest part of your cocktail. “Walking your walk” (and not just “talking your talk”) describes the little steps you take throughout the day that breathe life into your values. It’s not enough to just say you have values. You actually have to live them out in the small moments that make up your day.

1. Learn to walk the talk all the time. 

For example, one of my core values is caring for the least, the last, and the forgotten. This shapes how I talk to people, what projects I accept, and the way I invest my money.”

”Constantly reminding yourself of the meaning, the why behind your actions will allow you to power through even when you’re tired, stressed out or unmotivated.

2. Know your why

I am caring for my health better than I ever have, and it’s because I am more connected to my why: I want to stay fit so I can live for a long time for my children and their children, not because I want to look good in photos. Once you make this mental shift, everything will change.”

3. Embrace a paradigm shift. 

”This is the magic ingredient—you just need a pinch of it. Consistency without disruption is simply a routine. Disruption means moving from the status quo to the cutting edge.

I am a huge believer in conducting a self-review every 90 days. That period of time is long enough to ensure you’re not jumping from goal to goal, but it’s regular enough to keep you from getting into a rut.

During your self-review, ask yourself: What have been my major successes in the past three months? How have I moved forward? Am I still moving in the direction I want to go? Is there a better way to do things?

Mixed correctly, this cocktail will allow you to develop confidence and become more purposeful with how you use your time and energy.”

Achieving anything in life is largely about being consistent about our goals, and taking actions towards its  accomplishment. 

In the beginning of 2019, we all had goals of things we want to do. Some of us have not only veered off the plan but have abandoned it. This will not make anyone successful in life. 

September is here already, and I am here to remind you that you should not lose hope on the remaining days of the year, anything can still happen. 

I mean millions of people will still breakthrough this year, and you can be one of them. 

Remember the mix of consistency cocktail? Learn to walk your talk, identify you’re why, and embrace a new way of thinking. 

I wish you success, my friend. 

P.S: Do you have questions about how I consistently pursued my goals until I succeed as a property investor and how you can too? 

Click here Book a free 30 mins consultation with me today. 

Life happens, I get it. But for how long would we continue to make that phrase the excuse of our lives?

We already live in a world full of distractions. With all the internet-connected devices and automation we live with these days, it is safe to say that technology has brought us many goodies, but they are not without a cost. 

According to research published by the US National Library of Medicine, Internet addiction (IA) is becoming both a health and social problem among the general population with the spread of Internet access.

That is not to say that you shouldn’t use the internet. Rather, it should help you understand that distractions are not good for anyone that wants to be a high achiever. 

High performers avoid distractions. They take control of their lives, pursue their dreams and whatever makes them happy. 

What high performers do

The real high performers are not people who became successful by luck or by chance, they are people who put in the work to achieve their pursuits. 

They are the ones who know what they are working on. High performers have deadlines, objectives, and dates planned out in their calendar so that they never leave anything undone. 

But there is one thing they never do, and you should not do it too. 

What you should never do if you want to be a high performer. 

They never keep all their plans, deadlines and goals only in the mind because the mind can be robbed. 

When life happens, we can skip a lot of things in our to-do list that we didn’t set in our calendar. But it isn’t how it is supposed to be. Keeping your deadlines, and goals in mind are like leaving your life to randomness, because you’re not in control, life is.

If you really want to become a high achiever in life, starting from this day. Never leave your life to randomness. Instead, take control by using a calendar to organize your days, weeks and months.

If you do this, your life will exude the excellence that is peculiar to high performers.

Once you’re a homeowner, your house will probably be the biggest, long-term investment you have, says Rachel Cruze in her book Love Your Life, Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want

She added that, every dollar you spend on a mortgage or down payment is like putting money in a house-sized piggy bank.

Agreed, owning a property is an investment that we all must make in order to not only become financially free and prosperous, but to keep our families safe against bad economic times.

That said, it is therefore quite vital to know what help is available and where to find a mortgage.

In this article, I list and explain five practical tips to get approved for the mortgage loan you need to buy a home.

5 Practical Tips to Get Approved for a Home Mortgage Loan in the UK.

Most people hear reports of dropping interest rates and lower home prices and hastily decide to jump into home ownership, but what they don’t know is that getting a mortgage loan is a process, and it is different from car and some other loans

Therefore applicants who don’t recognize these key differences are often disappointed when a lender denies their mortgage loan application.

1. Know Your Credit Score

It literally takes a few minutes to pull your credit report and order your credit score. But surprisingly, some future home buyers never review their scores and credit history before submitting a home loan application, assuming that their scores are high enough to qualify. And many never consider the possibility of identity theft. However, a low credit score and credit fraud can stop a mortgage application dead in its tracks.

Credit scores and credit activity have a major impact on mortgage approvals. Before applying for a UK mortgage, check with the three credit reporting bureaus – Callcredit, Equifax, and Experian – and ask for a free credit report to make sure there are no reporting errors.

2. Save up.

Requirements for getting a mortgage loan often change, and if you are considering applying for a home loan in the near future, be ready to cough up the cash. Walking into a lender’s office with zero cash is a quick way to get your home loan application rejected. Mortgage lenders are cautious: Whereas they once approved zero-down mortgage loans, they now require a down payment.

Down payment minimums vary and depend on various factors, such as the type of loan and the lender. Each lender establishes its own criteria for down payments, but on average, you’ll need at least a 3.5% down payment. Aim for a higher down payment if you have the means.

3. Pay Up and Avoid Debt

You don’t need a zero balance on your credit cards to qualify for a mortgage loan. However, the less you owe your creditors, the better. Your debts determine if you can get a mortgage, as well as how much you can acquire from a lender. Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio before approving the mortgage. If you have a high debt ratio because you’re carrying a lot of credit card debt , the lender can turn down your request or offer a lower mortgage. This is because your entire monthly debt payments — including the mortgage – shouldn’t exceed 36% of your gross monthly income. However, paying down your consumer debt before completing an application lowers your debt-to-income ratio and can help you acquire a better mortgage rate.

4. Know What You Can Afford

Get a home that fit comfortably within our budget.

Don’t let lenders dictate how much you should spend on a mortgage loan. Lenders determine pre-approval amounts based on your income and credit report, and they don’t factor in how much you spend on daycare, insurance, groceries, or fuel. Rather than purchase a more expensive house because the lender says you can, be smart and keep your housing expense within your means.

5. Decide What Type of Mortgage that’s Right for You

The variety of mortgage products available in the UK may be overwhelming to those unfamiliar with mortgages. The two main types of mortgages in the UK are the fixed-rate and variable mortgages. There are also a few specialist types for different circumstances.

If you do not understand these differences, you could be missing out on some good offers.

In my subsequent posts, I will write about the types of mortgages in the UK and their differences. In the meantime, I hope that you now understand these 5 practical ways to get a home mortgage loan and buy your home.  

Remember, you must;

1. Know Your Credit Score
2. Save up
3. Pay up your debt and avoid new debt
4. Know what you can afford
5. Know the type of mortgage that’s right for you.

And lastly, as a bonus, seek an advisor’s opinion. Just as you’re an expert at your work, so are there property investors like me who can help you.

Do you have questions or do you need help with getting a mortgage loan in the UK?

Let me help you.

Here’s the thing about networking: it’s really nothing more than talking to other people.

But, for some reason, many, many people have trouble doing that.

Whether it’s not knowing what to say, or imagining that others don’t want to talk to you, something seems to get in the way of simple communication between two people.

But first…

What is networking?

Networking isn’t merely the exchange of information with others — and it’s certainly not about begging for favors.

It is about establishing and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet, whether you’re waiting to order your morning coffee, participating in a church program or attending a work conference. 

Although you don’t have to join several professional associations and attend every networking event that comes your way in order to be a successful, but there’s no denying the power a strong professional network can have over your career or business success. 

When it’s rightly done, networking will give you a competitive edge throughout every stage of your career.

How do you Network?

One thing you must understand about networking is that it is an art of self promotion that must be planned and achieved like other goals. 

So how do you network effectively? 

1. Figure out your networking style.

While you don’t need to know exactly what you expect to get out of each networking opportunity, it’s important to head into each activity with a goal. For example, you may attend an event with the goal of connecting with three new people in your industry or bringing back one new insight to share with your co-workers

2. Draw a game plan.

While you don’t need to know exactly what you expect to get out of each networking opportunity, it’s important to head into each activity with a goal. For example, you may attend an event with the goal of connecting with three new people in your industry or bringing back one new insight to share with your co-workers

3. Follow up.

It’s a simple task, yet many professionals neglect this critical step in the networking process. The time you invested in speaking with someone new won’t benefit your career development if you fail to follow up afterward. While you don’t need to send a long, heartfelt message immediately after meeting someone new, you should send a LinkedIn connection request with a personalized message sooner rather than later. Save the thoughtful message when you have something valuable to share or a specific reason to reach out.

These few basic rules will help you succeed at networking. But remember, the goal of networking is to build relationships and networks.

As Baikowitz once said “the worst networking mistake you can make is not trying at all.”

The thought of becoming a successful investor is frightening if you think of the seemingly daunting tasks you have to handle. But it doesn’t have to be so because success doesn’t have one standard. In fact, successful investing is more about achieving your personal money goals and not necessarily picking the “right” investment.

If you want to become a successful investor, these are six habits that will put you on the right path to financial success.

1. Start Early.

There’s a famous Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

If you haven’t started, the best time to start investing is now, even if you don’t have a lot of money. The earlier you start, the longer your money works on your behalf. The idea here is to get into the habit and start developing a mindset that sees investing as a priority.

2. Create a plan.

A goal without a plan is just a wish. So if you want to become a successful investor, you need to create an investment blueprint that can help you chart your financial course. Start by figuring out how you want things to end up, and then work backwards. Think deeply and organize the investments and asset allocations that are likely to help you reach your goals. An investment plan is important because it acts as a roadmap.

3. Diversification.

Successful investors know that putting all their eggs in one basket isn’t so good that’s why they diversify. “For many “regular” people and beginning investors, low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds can make a lot of sense. They’re broad-based and provide instant diversity across sectors. Additionally, if you add bond funds, you can get asset allocation. As you learn more and become more knowledgeable, you can add other investments from other asset classes, consider geographic diversity, and other factors, based on what you want to accomplish with your money.”

However, I advise that you invest a lot in real estate because it is the most reliable investment.

4. Consistency

Consistent action creates consistent results. To be successful in life, one must be consistent, and the same is applicable in investing. One of the best ways to move forward is to be consistent. Outline the amount you can invest each month and set up automatic transfers to your investment account. This will prevent you from forgetting, or from letting other spending take priority.

Consistency can ensure that you keep your long-term financial goals in mind – and automated investing will help you work toward those goals without actively thinking about it every day.

5. Increasing your investment funds.

Whenever you get a raise, use a part of that money to increase your monthly investment contribution. Get yourself in the habit of seeing extra money as a way to advance towards your financial goals by putting at least a portion of any increase you receive toward investing.

When you’ve made investing a priority, it’s easier to make that call when you get new money. That’s why you need to make a successful mindset shift toward using investing as a way to reach your goals.

6. Consulting professionals

We live in the age of information overload and overnight gurus who are selling nothing but crap on the internet. Don’t fall for it.

“Getting help from financial professionals can be a great idea, especially if you find someone who can help you reach your goals and is willing to listen to you and help you put together a long-term strategy. In fact, it’s a good idea to visit with a financial professional than get stock tips from your co-workers. The wealthy often hire money managers and investment advisors. While you might not be to that point right now, getting a little guidance from a financial professional can provide you with outside perspective – and a better approach to your investment portfolio.”

Here are habits of successful investors.

• Start early or as soon as possible.
• Create a plan.
• Diversify your portfolio.
• Be consistent.
• Increase your Investment funds
• Consult professionals.

I have a question for you, what is it that is stopping you from investing in real estate?

What is stopping you from buying that first property?

What is stopping you from increasing your portfolio, maybe you have one before, then you raise it to two or three, or perhaps you want to double your property portfolio from four to eight or ten?

What is stopping you?

Do you feel like there’s a roadblock?

Let’s talk about it if you desire to become a first-time property owner or you want to increase your portfolio.

I know you’ve been thinking a lot about this, but I want you to stop thinking and start doing because it is possible for you to own your property in this economy.

If you have a good job, a good income, and you live in the United Kingdom, it is possible for you to be a first-time owner.

If you desire to own your first UK property between 60 – 90 days, we can make this happen for you.

Stop thinking, and start acting.

If you want us to get on this journey together, we will show you that it is possible for you to be a property owner in 90 days.

But if you are an investor who has bought 1, 2, 3 or 5 properties before but wants to understand how to accelerate their investment and double their portfolio, please drop me a message to ask for my calendar because you qualify to schedule a free one-hour session with me.

I will show you practical and effective strategies that will help you accelerate your returns, and be tax efficient in this modern economy.

I’ve head people say that “Buy-to-Let is dead,” “There’s Tax,” but when there is a will, there is a way.

So, let me know what you think, drop me a message to ask for my free 1-hour strategic property investment session.

It’s not complicated, all you need to do is send me a message, ask for my calendar, and we schedule a suitable time to take you to the next level.

I look forward to hearing from you, but until then, keep serving God. Keep living life to the max. Keep helping as many people on your journey to prosperity

Below the market value is a common term that is used by investors and property investment experts.

But what does it really mean?

According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), market value is “the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms-length transaction after property marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion.”

Below the market refers to any type of purchase or investment that is made below the market price, in other words, BMV is a good deal that is to the advantage of the buyer because of the ability to get properties at a cost that is lower than the going rate.

“However, there are two types of BMV properties: those that can make you money, and those that have been ignored because they are money-draining duds.

This second kind is the BMV properties that you should never buy, of course, but it’s easy to get drawn into buying something cheap which will, in fact, cost you far more of your time, money and effort than it is worth.”

Instead, you want to find the below market value properties that other investors haven’t ignored, but have missed. These are the properties that have fallen under other less observant investors’ radars, and which are ready for you to swoop in, sweep up, and make huge profits on.

In principle, an estate valuer will compare the property to other similar buildings s in the area, alongside its estimated level of demand, transferability, scarcity, and whether it can fulfill its duties as a comfortable environment in which to live, and come up with a price estimate using this combined evidence.

This is the reason to consider market value alongside questions like, “What price am I willing to pay for this property?” and “How much money will this property make me?”

Truth is, not all properties that are buyable at below the market value price are going to be significant investments. “Some of them are cheap as chips for a reason!”

In my next post, I will explain more on how to source BMV properties.

Anyone in the business of real estate investment knows there are some terms one needs to familiarize his or herself with.

To help you succeed in your real estate investment journey, these are 7 real investment terms you should know.

1. Appreciation

Appreciation is increase in the value of a property over time. It can be caused by added value as a result of property improvements (such as upgrading a kitchen, adding a room or a pool, etc.) and other things like inflation, increase in demand or decrease in supply of properties.

Appreciation is usually projected as a percentage of the property’s value over the course of a year/particular period.

  2. Cash flow

Cash flow is the amount of money you can pocket at the end of each month; after all operating expenses (including loan payments) have been paid. If you spend less money than you earn, your cash flow will be positive. If you spend more money than you earn, your cash flow will be negative.

Rental income – all operating expenses (including loan payments) = Cash flow

  3. Equity

Equity is the difference between the current market value of the property and the amount that the owner owes on the property’s mortgage. For instance, if you were to sell your property, the equity would be the money you receive after paying off the mortgage in full. This value can build up over time as the mortgage balance declines and the market value of the property appreciates.

Building home equity is a great strategy for building long-term wealth because at some point you might need to use your home equity for other investments like retirement, upgrade to a different home, or paying for a major life event.

4. Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation refers to the repairs that need to be done to make an asset tenant-ready.
This can include minor fixes such as paint and lighting upgrades but can also extend to more large-scale repairs such as roof replacement, plumbing or garage upgrades. Should such large-scale upgrades be necessary, the investor will be notified prior to purchase and can choose to forego the purchase. Rehabilitation costs are generally included in the purchase price.

5. Turn Key Property (TKP)

A turnkey property or TKP is a property that has been purchased, rehabbed and rented to a tenant and is now for sale to another investor. Turnkey properties usually cash flow from the moment the investor purchases it since the property is already rented.

6. Leasing Fee

A leasing fee is paid to the property manager when they sign a lease with a new tenant. If a tenant renews their lease there is a re-leasing fee.

  7. Return on Investment

When considering how to invest in real estate, one term you may see come up over and over is – return on investment (ROI) which stands for the calculated benefit of an investment (called the return), divided by its cost. Your ROI is impacted by several variables, such as renovation and maintenance costs, and how much you originally borrowed in order to invest in your property.

I hope this article has helped you understand these 7 real estate investment terms.