The Power of Being Ok. (Blog post 3 in this series)

What does “being OK” mean for an investor?

Being OK is about accepting your current situation and emotions without self‑criticism. It is not laziness; it’s the recognition that negative thoughts and doubts are feelings, not facts. A recent study found that people who habitually accept their emotions show greater psychological well‑being. Acceptance lowers stress, enabling you to make clear decisions instead of reacting impulsively.

Reality check vs. feelings

Feeling	Reality	Action
“I’m behind.”	You are learning a new skill; mastery takes time.	Focus on consistent small steps each week.
“Others are doing better.”	Their journey has different variables; comparison misleads.	Review your progress and adjust goals accordingly.
“What if I fail?”	Failure is part of growth; patience and research reduce risk.	Commit to due diligence and accept mistakes as lessons.

Why is patience critical in tax lien and deed investing?

Returns from tax sale investing seldom happen overnight. States set redemption periods—often one to three years—during which property owners can repay taxes. Studies show that individuals with patience are more likely to achieve their goals. In tax sale investing:

Redemption waits – You may wait months or years for owners to redeem the lien, but interest accrues during that time.

Due diligence takes time – You need to research properties, check titles and understand county rules. For example, before bidding you should build a property list from the county auction roster, visit those properties and check your state’s redemption period.

Learning curve – As with a child learning to walk, each auction teaches you something new; over time you become more confident and precise.

How can you cultivate patience and acceptance?

Watch your self‑talk. Recognise when your mind is spinning stories about what you “should” be. Replace judgment with curiosity.

Use the “child learning to walk” metaphor. Every misstep is part of the process. Allow yourself to fall and get up again.

Plan and review. Set weekly tasks (e.g., call counties, review listings) and celebrate small wins. Patience thrives on progress tracking.

Learn continuously. Read guides like our article on picking the right properties for step‑by‑step strategies.

Connect with others. Share challenges with mentors or peers; their support can reinforce your confidence.

What are common misconceptions about being OK?

Some people assume that acceptance means settling for less. In reality, acceptance clears space for action. It allows you to take calculated risks rather than acting out of fear. Another misconception is that patience leads to missed opportunities. In tax sale investing, patience means you wait for the right property instead of chasing every deal; you do not “sit back,” but stay active and informed.

How do you apply this mindset to tax sale investing?

Use patience as the lens through which you approach deals:

Research thoroughly
Build your property list, check redemption periods, match bids to your budget and inspect properties in person.
Avoid low‑value traps
Properties under $40,000 often need major repairs. Patience helps you resist cheap but risky deals.
Focus on spread, not price
Target properties with low bids but high market value; this spread offers better returns.
Wait for redemption or foreclosure
Understand that the redemption period and legal process take time; use this time to plan your
Track your progress
Keep records of auctions, redemption dates and results. Patterns emerge that can guide future bids.

Case example: success through patience

A new investor studied county rules and built a property list. She found a vacant lot in a desirable area, paid around $1,000 in taxes and then waited 22 months. The owner eventually paid back the taxes plus 18 % interest, giving her a solid return. Patience and research prevented her from overpaying and allowed her to profit, echoing the advice in our patience‑focused article that consistency and research are key to success.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to feel doubt when investing?

Yes. Doubt is a human response, but it doesn’t reflect your potential. Recognise it as a feeling and redirect your energy toward action. Studies show that acceptance of negative emotions reduces stress.

Does patience mean I’ll have to wait years to see results?

Not always. Some liens redeem quickly, but you should be prepared for waits of one to three years. Patience allows you to handle these delays without panic, and research reduces the likelihood of long setbacks.

Where can I learn more about property selection?

Our guide on how to pick properties for tax deed sales walks you through building a list, visiting properties and matching deals to your budget.

Conclusion and call to action

Being OK with where you are and practising patience are not signs of weakness; they are the core strengths that drive consistent success. The most successful investors learn to accept their emotions, stay focused on the process and let time work in their favour. Start small, keep learning and let patience guide your journey.Download our free mini‑course on buying tax deed and lien properties up to 90 % off (a $197 val ue). Book a free call for one‑on‑one guidance and Explore more articles on our blog, including picking properties and the trait you need to succeed.