The Investor's Guide To Joy

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham sits down with Rey Treviño III, a seasoned professional in the oil and gas industry. They delve into the intricacies of investing in this sector, emphasizing the vital role of relationships and trust in achieving successful passive investments. Rey shares his insights on the investor mindset, highlighting how open communication and comfort are essential in building confidence among potential investors. He also provides valuable advice on evaluating operators' track records and understanding the complexities of oil and gas projects, empowering listeners to make informed decisions.The conversation takes a personal turn as Paul reflects on his shift from focusing solely on net worth to prioritizing joy and fulfillment in life. Rey discusses the evolving definition of success and underscores the importance of enjoying the journey while pursuing achievements. He emphasizes the value of hard work and passion, asserting that loving what you do transforms the investment experience into something truly rewarding. With a focus on perspective, connection, and joy, this episode encourages listeners to navigate their investment journeys with intention and care.Highlights of the Podcast00:34 - Guest Introduction01:30 - Rey’s Take on Communication03:50 - Paul’s Journey06:40 - Mindset of Investors11:44 - Understanding Oil and Gas Investments12:58 - Project Success14:57 - Control in Investments17:47 - Communication with Investors19:51 - Emotional Responsibility21:40 - Daily Commitment26:16 - Defining Success27:41 - Prayer and Guidance

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham interviews real estate investor Grant Francke, who shares his inspiring journey to financial freedom through strategic real estate investments. With over 100 doors in his portfolio, Grant emphasizes that true financial independence lies in consistent cash flow rather than the number of properties owned. He discusses his transition from a railroad job to real estate, reaching financial stability with around 40 doors before expanding. Grant focuses on investing in Class B workforce housing in Southeast Nebraska, revealing his effective networking strategies for sourcing off-market deals.Throughout the conversation, Grant highlights the mindset shift that prioritized time and freedom for his family, demonstrating how real estate serves as a vehicle for both financial success and personal fulfillment. He shares pivotal lessons learned, such as the importance of having a clear "why," maintaining a conservative underwriting approach, and trusting relationships in syndication investments. Grant concludes with a powerful mantra from Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right," underscoring the transformative power of mindset in achieving one's goals.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction and Guest Overview01:41 - Grant’s Real Estate Path05:05 - Investment Strategy: Cash Flow Focus06:36 - Off-Market Deals and Networking13:32 - Mindset and Family Life18:01 - Hiring a VA18:45 - Vision for Growth20:11 - Investing in Syndications26:09 - Evaluating Operators30:16 - Lessons Learned

In this episode of The Investor's Guide to Joy, host Paul Graham engages with Matt King to uncover how joy is integral to leadership, family life, and personal fulfillment. Matt shares his experiences on his family ranch, where he instills the values of hard work in his children while creating cherished memories. He discusses the delicate balance between the fast pace of life and graceful adaptability, illustrating how embracing uncertainty can foster both growth and joy. Through personal anecdotes, he emphasizes aligning vision with action and cultivating a limitless mindset by surrounding oneself with supportive individuals.The conversation further delves into the transformative power of discomfort and anxiety management in personal and professional realms. Matt encourages viewing challenges as gifts that unlock potential, while Paul reflects on his journey with anxious attachment and the impact of mindfulness on stress. They explore money as energy, advocating for financial decisions that prioritize joy and meaningful experiences over material gain. By fostering vulnerability, intimacy, and accountability, the hosts inspire listeners to embrace curiosity and take decisive actions, reminding us that every step on our journey contributes to our legacy.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction02:18 - Family Ranch and Creating Memories03:43 - The Importance of Joy in Life05:16 - Creating Spaces for Creativity and Energy Flow08:17 - Pace and Grace in Life's Journey09:47 - Vision, Strategy, and Alignment11:36 - Matt’s Childhood and Values15:10 - Embracing Life's Uncertainty19:50 - The Power of Asking Questions21:37 - Running Towards Anxiety and Stress Instead of Avoiding It23:34 - Using Money as a Tool for Memories & Joy24:33 - Understanding Yourself Through Energy Awareness27:57 - Multiple Mentors for Different Areas of Life32:01 - Generosity as a Remedy for Scarcity Mindset33:45 - Small Actions with Big Impact37:34 - Power of Momentum & Avoiding Perfectionism39:01 - Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Situations40:03 - Challenging the Definition of Control43:38 - Loving the Walk & Grace in the Journey46:53 - Impacting Men & Changing the World through VIA48:09 - Curiosity and Accountability49:27 - Being a Ruler in Life54:32 - The Concept of Sage57:01 - Decision-Making Differences Among Entrepreneurs58:41 - The Importance of Fast Decision-Making01:00:53 - Empowering Others in Decision-Making01:02:35 - Nine-Figure Entrepreneur Perspective

In this episode, Paul Graham welcomes Erin Bradley, who shares her journey, embracing a life of adventure and achieving her dream. Erin reflects on the power of taking risks, even when filled with fear, leading her to unexpected successes. She highlights the transformative role of coaching, explaining how investing in personal growth helped her significantly increase her income and gain confidence. Paul and Erin discuss the importance of embracing uncertainty and letting life unfold naturally. Erin shares how many of her best opportunities came unexpectedly, advocating for curiosity and openness over rigid control. She explains her shift from a hustle mindset to one of flow, using morning routines and journaling to envision her future without stressing over the details.Highlights of the Podcast00:53 - The Colorado Experience and Dreaming Big06:20 - Overcoming Fear and Pursuing Dreams15:18 - The Value of Investing in Yourself18:39 - Taking Leaps and "Why Not Now?"21:25 - Vision and Taking Action27:16 - Embracing Uncertainty and Flow28:13 - Living Your Ideal Life35:38 - Transition from Hustle to Flow37:12 - Making Decisions and Moving Forward39:01 - Connecting with Erin

Wyatt Simon, a successful real estate investor, shares his journey to financial independence. He discusses the challenges of managing a growing portfolio while emphasizing the importance of balancing intense work with personal well-being. Wyatt explores the concept of finding true worth beyond monetary achievements and the significance of gratitude in life. He reflects on the impact of structured routines and the rejuvenating power of social interactions, ultimately revealing that true fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships and self-awareness.

In this episode of "The Investor's Guide to Joy," Paul Graham hosts Ryan Smolarz who shares his journey from medicine to commercial real estate. Ryan discusses his transition from a consumer mindset to that of an investor, highlighting how his passion for financial sovereignty grew from a realization about his lack of financial control. The conversation delves into the importance of mindset in investing, the value of building genuine relationships, and how curiosity, rather than ego, can drive success in commercial real estate.Paul Graham and Ryan Smolarz also explore the different approaches within the industry, contrasting transactional real estate with relationship-focused capital raising. Ryan shares his expertise in self-storage investments, emphasizing the significance of finding off-market, value-add opportunities. He discusses the importance of aligning investments with core competencies and the role of mindset in achieving financial freedom. This episode offers valuable insights for those looking to balance their professional life with successful investing.Highlights of the Podcast 00:28 - Ryan Smolarz's Background and Transition to Investing02:08 - Discovering Passion for Investing04:06 - Mindset Shift and Financial Sovereignty08:15 - Ryan's Investment Journey in Self-Storage12:17 - Importance of Mindset in Investing14:44 - The Role of Relationships in Commercial Real Estate15:26 - Commercial Real Estate vs. Capital Raising18:20 - The Importance of Being Genuine20:51 - Evaluating Investment Opportunities24:29 - The Investor's Journey29:46 - Self-Storage Investment Strategy32:24 - Mindset and Mantra for Success

In this podcast episode, Colin Hirdman delves into the strategic use of LinkedIn for business growth, sharing his journey from founding Monkey Island Ventures to creating Rainmaker, a LinkedIn automation platform. Colin discusses LinkedIn's unique position as a social network centered around business, offering insights into building relationships, generating leads, and driving sales. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and an educational mindset when engaging on the platform, along with strategies for audience building using LinkedIn events, proxies, and Sales Navigator.Colin also highlights the effectiveness of LinkedIn Live streams as a tool for audience engagement and business opportunities, stressing the importance of timing and consistent outreach. He shares his approach to nurturing connections through softer touchpoints like live streams and using a CRM to track prospects. Throughout the episode, Colin encourages entrepreneurs to embrace the creative journey of building a business, push through fears, and take action, reminding them that everyone is learning as they go.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction02:34 - Colin's Entrepreneurial Journey04:50 - LinkedIn Philosophy and Strategy07:05 - Audience Building Strategies11:29 - Timeline of Impact on LinkedIn15:40 - Live Streams as a Marketing Tool18:10 - Nurturing Relationships on LinkedIn27:00 - Entrepreneurial Creativity and Joy28:41 - Mindset and Encouragement

In this episode, the conversation delves into the mental and physical challenges of personal growth, using cold showers and marathons as metaphors for resilience. Marty Cornish shares insights on the critical importance of finding product market fit in business and how persistence is key to overcoming obstacles. The discussion also explores sources of joy and fulfillment, emphasizing the value of purpose, strong community ties, and self-discipline.This episode features a candid discussion about the intersection of business success and personal well-being. Marty Cornish reflects on his journey in bootstrapping a company, the significance of product market fit, and how perseverance has shaped his path. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultivating joy through family, friendships, and purposeful living, offering valuable advice for anyone looking to align their work with their life’s mission.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction and Overview00:43 - Qualifying for the Boston Marathon 03:38 - Identity Shift and Personal Growth05:49 - Breaking Point and the Need for Change07:58 - Self-Worth and Confidence10:38 - Ruler Mentality and Emotional Control13:44 - Mental Health and Well-being 17:24 -Ideal Morning Routine 20:24 - Cold Showers Experience22:42 - Product Market Fit in Business25:32 - Sources of Joy27:28 - Building a Strong Community29:30 - Reflection on Purpose31:09 - Persistence and Success

In this insightful podcast episode, Paul Graham and Steve Wallace dive deep into the intersection of emotions, personal growth, and success. Steve shares his journey from early struggles in sales to discovering his true strengths, highlighting the critical role of overcoming setbacks and seeking support. The conversation explores how emotions like insecurity and self-doubt can both hinder and drive achievement, with Steve offering practical methods for managing these feelings and maintaining a positive mindset.Paul and Steve also discuss the significance of having a clear "why" and the impact of personal challenges on inspiring others. Steve's mantra, "Do the work and then just mean business," emphasizes the importance of persistence, self-awareness, and continual learning. The episode concludes with reflections on how embracing failure and taking risks can unlock one's potential and inspire others to pursue their own goals.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction01:07 - The Concept of Starting Over03:21 - Personal Growth Through Change04:25 - Building a Career in Sales09:46 - Embracing Entrepreneurial Identity11:41 - The Importance of Mindset17:14 - Navigating Misunderstandings19:07 - Staying Focused and Tactical in Sales21:01 - The Value of Stillness22:12 - The Role of Emotions in Achieving Success23:54 - The Importance of Seeking Help and Overcoming Failure25:16 - The Difference Between Pain and Discomfort27:05 - Processing Seeds of Doubt31:01 - The Role of Self-Awareness in Motivation34:44 - Inspiration and Impact36:21 - Steve's Mantra for Success38:11 - The Value of Taking Action and Embracing Failure

In this insightful podcast episode, Marcy Axelrod and Paul Graham explore the deeper aspects of joy, success, and self-care. Marcy challenges conventional notions of progress and success, advocating for a more meaningful approach to life that prioritizes contentment and caring for others. She critiques the superficial aspects of self-care and emphasizes the importance of connecting with oneself and making a positive impact on the world.Paul shares his personal journey with minimalism and the benefits of reducing material possessions and expectations. Together, they discuss the importance of gratitude as a foundation for joy and practical strategies for managing social media and enhancing focus. Marcy also introduces a grounding technique to help listeners return to the present moment, offering valuable insights for a more fulfilling and intentional life.Highlights of the Podcast00:07 - Introduction of Marcy Axelrod.00:37 - Discussion on joy and the one degree shift.02:16 - The power and limitations of words.05:32 - How to make things flow and understand broader contexts.13:43 - Insights on celebration and emotional connection.18:03 - Maintaining connection and the impact of genuine care.20:10 - Reflection on the nature of care20:43 - The persistence of memories and their effects22:41 - Introduction of the concept of showing up25:32 - The continuum of showing up explained26:28 - Discussion on learning to show up28:42 - The significance of peace in life30:21 - Caution against striving too hard for happiness34:46 - Advice on deepening connections with others37:01 - The importance of outward focus in self-care38:44 - Reflections on Striving and Success39:48 - Defining Success40:46 - Real Self-Care 42:07 - Marcy’s Motto for the Guide to Joy43:02 - Experience with Minimalism and Joy44:01 - The Role of Gratitude in Joy46:09 - Managing Social Media and Focus46:40 - Marcy’s Grounding Technique47:37 - Closing Remarks