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Shepherd's Notes: Proverbs by Duane A. Garrett
In the dynamic world of real estate, we often focus intensely on external factors: interest rates, market cycles, economic forecasts, and property valuations. We pore over spreadsheets, analyze demographics, and study blueprints. Yet, even with all the data in the world, why do seemingly rational investors sometimes make irrational decisions? The answer often lies not in the market, but within ourselves.
The true “inner game” of property investment is played in the mind. It’s about understanding the subtle, powerful psychological biases that can sway our judgment, leading to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. Having observed and studied countless property transactions, it’s clear that mastering one’s own mental landscape is as crucial as mastering market analytics.
To make genuinely smart property decisions, we must first confront these common psychological pitfalls:
This bias occurs when we rely too heavily on the first piece of information offered (the “anchor”) when making decisions. In real estate, this might be the initial asking price of a property, a past valuation from years ago, or even the price of the last comparable sale, even if current market conditions have shifted dramatically.
Once we form an opinion — say, that a particular neighborhood is “hot” or an asset class is “the next big thing” — we tend to seek out and interpret information that confirms our belief, while ignoring evidence that contradicts it.
The psychological pain of a loss is often felt more intensely than the pleasure of an equivalent gain. This bias can lead investors to hold onto underperforming properties far too long, hoping they will “come back” to their original purchase price, rather than cutting losses and reallocating capital to more promising opportunities.
When everyone else seems to be doing something, there’s a strong urge to follow, assuming they know something you don’t. This can lead to market bubbles where prices become detached from fundamentals, driven purely by speculative fervor.
Believing you have more control over outcomes or more accurate forecasts than you actually do. This can lead to underestimating risks, overlooking due diligence, or taking on excessive leverage.
I have been delving into how our philosophical understanding of spaces, purpose, and even ourselves, influences every property decision. If you’re interested in uncovering these deeper connections and transforming the way you see real estate, my book, “Philosophy of Residential and Commercial Real Estate: Exploring the Intersection of Philosophy, People, Property, Purpose and Spaces” (part of the Series of Real Estate Mastery Books), delves much further into these profound interplays. You can find more information on my author page and list of books here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ2PLTCD
Mastering the investor’s inner game is an ongoing process of self-awareness, discipline, and continuous learning. By understanding and actively mitigating these psychological biases, you empower yourself to make more rational, resilient, and ultimately, smarter property decisions, regardless of how unpredictable the market may seem.
The global landscape is in a constant state of flux, and with it, the built environment. From towering skyscrapers in mega-cities to innovative community hubs in developing regions, real estate development plays a crucial role in shaping our societies, driving economic growth, and ultimately, defining our collective future. But often, the intricate dance of bringing a project from a mere idea on paper to a tangible structure is shrouded in mystery for those outside the industry.
Having spent considerable time studying and observing the dynamics of real estate development across diverse markets, I’ve come to appreciate that it’s far more than just laying bricks and mortar. It’s a complex interplay of grand vision, meticulous planning, robust financial strategies, and a deep understanding of local and global socio-economic forces.
Think about the last significant development you witnessed, perhaps a new mixed-use complex transforming a city block, a sustainable residential community taking shape, or the adaptive reuse of an historic building for modern purposes. Each of these projects represents countless hours of work, navigating a complex web of regulations, market demands, stakeholder engagements, and of course, securing the necessary capital.
One of the most critical, yet often unseen, aspects is the feasibility study. This in-depth analysis acts as the project’s heartbeat, rigorously assessing whether the proposed development is not only physically possible but also financially viable and strategically aligned with market demand. It delves into everything from potential rental yields and sales projections to construction costs and regulatory hurdles. A well-executed feasibility study can be the difference between a thriving development and a costly misstep, anywhere in the world.
Another fascinating element, universally challenging, is the entitlement process. Obtaining the necessary approvals, from zoning changes and environmental clearances to building permits, can be a lengthy and often complex journey. Understanding the local regulatory landscape, building strong relationships with governing authorities, and demonstrating a project’s broader community benefits are paramount for any developer looking to make a meaningful impact.
And let’s not forget the accelerating importance of sustainable development. Across continents, integrating green building principles, energy efficiency, and water conservation into projects is no longer just an ethical choice; it’s a rapidly growing market expectation, driven by climate concerns, rising utility costs, and increasing demand from investors and tenants for resilient, high-performing assets. Developers are increasingly focused on certifications like LEED or BREEAM to signal their commitment.
My exploration into the multifaceted world of real estate development has been a continuous learning journey, and I’ve had the opportunity to delve into these topics in more detail in my writings. If you’re interested in exploring these concepts further, including practical insights into property investment and global market analysis, you can find more information on my author page and list of books here: https://www.amazon.com/author/willemtait
Ultimately, real estate development is a powerful force for progress, shaping skylines and communities worldwide. By understanding its fundamental principles and the immense dedication of those who craft our built environment, we can all become more informed participants in the growth and evolution of our cities and towns. The next time you see a new building rising, take a moment to appreciate the intricate journey it has taken from concept to reality, a journey driven by vision, expertise, and a commitment to building a better future for everyone.
#realestate #property
“Most of the stuff you’re losing sleep over isn’t worth your energy, and honestly? You shouldn’t give a damn about it.” — Willem Tait, Stop Giving a Damn and Start Living
We live in a world where burnout is worn like a badge of honor. Overthinking is normalized. People-pleasing is encouraged. And somehow, in between the group chats, deadlines, and constant notifications, we lose sight of ourselves.
I wrote Stop Giving a Damn and Start Living to break that cycle. This is not your typical self-help book filled with feel-good fluff. It’s a clear, direct, no-nonsense guide to cutting the mental clutter, protecting your energy, and finally focusing on what actually matters.
You’re tired. Not just physically, but mentally. Emotionally.
Maybe you feel stuck in a pattern of always saying yes when you mean no. Maybe you’re constantly trying to meet everyone’s expectations, even at your own expense. Or maybe you’ve just had enough.
Here’s the truth:
“Caring about everything doesn’t make you a better person. It just makes you tired.”
This book helps you let go of the stress, guilt, and over-apologizing that have been draining you for years.
The book opens with what I call the “rucksack of bricks” — all the guilt, opinions, expectations, and nonsense you carry every day.
“You don’t need to haul emotional baggage just because someone handed it to you.”
This chapter teaches you how to put it down and move forward lighter and freer.
Time and energy are not unlimited. This book teaches you to treat them like valuable currency. Spend them wisely.
“Not every ripple deserves your attention. Most of them are just noise.”
You’ll learn how to spot distractions, define your values, and focus only on what truly matters to you.
Saying no is hard, especially when you’re used to being the go-to person. But boundaries aren’t rude. They’re necessary.
“Every ‘yes’ you give out of guilt is a ‘no’ to yourself.”
This section gives you practical language and real confidence to set limits without the guilt trip.
There’s a difference between apologizing when you’re wrong and constantly apologizing for existing.
“Stop saying sorry for taking up space. You’re allowed to be here.”
You’ll learn how to replace unnecessary apologies with self-respect.
Confidence isn’t about being loud. It’s about being solid.
“The sun doesn’t dim because someone might find it too bright. It shines. So should you.”
This chapter reminds you that you don’t need permission to trust yourself.
Unlike many self-help books that feel like homework, this one is designed to speak directly and clearly. It’s:
There’s also a cheat sheet at the end, plus a “slipped up” recovery guide, because no one gets it right all the time.
“You won’t wake up one day and suddenly stop stressing. You have to choose to let go. That choice gets easier — but it starts with you.”
This book is for the overthinker, the people-pleaser, the boundary-shy high-achiever. It’s for anyone who is done running on empty and wants their energy back.
If you want more clarity, more peace, more space to breathe and just be — you’ll find tools here to help you do that.
This book doesn’t rely on wishful thinking. It’s grounded in principles from psychology, philosophy, and economics.
All of this is delivered in a tone that feels real and accessible, not academic.
I didn’t write this book to sound smart. I wrote it to be useful. To help people break out of overthinking, burnout, and chronic self-neglect.
To help people like you stop handing out energy like it’s unlimited — and start protecting it like it matters.
“You get one life. One shot. Do you really want to spend it stressed about things that don’t even matter?”
This is your permission to live differently.
If this message resonated with you, and you’re ready to reclaim your energy, focus, and peace, you’ll find the full step-by-step guide in my book.
Stop Giving a Damn and Start Living: Cut the Crap. Focus on What Matters. Live Fully
Available on Amazon:
Kindle: $2.99
Paperback: $7.99
Hardcover: $19.99
Also available through Kindle Unlimited https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F14P3CYK
Final note: I wrote this book after years of watching myself — and others — burn out from trying to be everything to everyone. Writing it helped me take my own advice. I hope reading it helps you do the same.
If this article helped you, leave a highlight, share it, or drop a comment. I read every one.
#bookreview #read
For years, I’ve seen it firsthand: the real estate industry, for all its timeless appeal, has been notoriously slow to adapt. While other sectors have sprinted into the digital age, embracing innovation and sustainability, real estate often felt like it was stuck in a time warp. But that era is definitively over. We are now experiencing an unprecedented acceleration of change, driven by forces that will reshape every single aspect of property, from how we build it to how we buy, sell, and even live in it.
This rapid transformation created a glaring problem, a knowledge gap that worried me deeply. My clients, both seasoned investors and those new to the property market, were asking questions that the old playbooks simply couldn’t answer. “What’s this ‘PropTech’ everyone’s talking about?” “How does sustainability actually impact property value?” “Are smart homes just a fad, or a necessity?”
It became clear to me that there was a desperate need for a clear, concise, and actionable guide — something that demystified these complex trends and showed people how to not just survive, but truly thrive in this new real estate landscape. That’s why I wrote “The Future of Real Estate: PropTech, Sustainability and Design.”
Let’s be honest. The traditional real estate education often stops short of preparing professionals and investors for the radical shifts we’re witnessing today.
This isn’t about being an expert in every single technology or environmental policy. It’s about having a foundational understanding of these forces, recognizing their impact, and knowing how to leverage them for smarter decisions.
My primary motivation for writing this book was to arm my clients with the knowledge they need to succeed. I want them to:
This isn’t just theoretical. It’s about ensuring that when you’re making a significant investment, developing a new project, or advising a client, you’re doing so with a complete and current understanding of the forces at play.
Then “The Future of Real Estate: PropTech, Sustainability and Design” was written for you. It’s a “no-fluff” guide designed to give you a clear, actionable understanding of these critical areas. No jargon, no unnecessary complexity — just the roadmap you need to thrive.
The future of real estate isn’t waiting. It’s here, and it’s exhilarating. I invite you to join me in understanding and shaping it.
You can find my book on Amazon here: The Future of Real Estate: PropTech, Sustainability and Design
