Property investment is often seen as a glamorous world of high returns and financial freedom. But behind the scenes, things can and do go wrong. And when they do, many of us instinctively try to hide it. There’s immense pressure to present a perfect image to the world, and admitting we’re struggling can feel like admitting failure.
I’ve been there. I’ve faced moments where projects weren’t going as planned, where disputes were brewing, and where the weight of the situation felt almost unbearable. But what I’ve learned over the years is that the worst thing you can do is pretend everything is fine.
Let’s explore why we feel the need to hide problems, the impact this has on us, and how to turn setbacks into strengths.
The Pressure to Look Perfect
In today’s world, there’s a constant push to project success—especially in property. Social media posts, networking events, and even casual conversations often revolve around achievements. Rarely do we hear about the struggles behind the scenes.
This culture creates a damaging cycle:
- We feel we must hide our challenges to maintain credibility.
- We miss opportunities to get help because we don’t admit there’s an issue.
There have been countless times I’ve faced issues and not known how to deal with them. During COVID-19, while I was still figuring out how best to proceed, I had landlords, tenants, contractors, and investors all looking to me for reassurance. They needed me to say, “Don’t worry, it will be okay.”
And in certain situations, that is what’s demanded of you. We never missed a payment during COVID and didn’t take a penny of financial support. But more importantly, I had to reassure people that we had a plan and that they would be okay.
In other situations, you have to raise the flag to the right people straight away. I once discovered a development project carried serious financial risks. It would have been easy to bury my head in the sand, but the first thing I did was contact the lender, who was also a JV partner.
Knowing who to tell and managing the information correctly is a skill—and an important one. Don’t keep issues to yourself. It’s far better to lift your head and address them than bury it in the sand.
“You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.” – Edwin Louis Cole
Acknowledging the Problem is the First Step
There’s an immense sense of relief in simply saying, “I have a problem.” Admitting there’s an issue isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. It’s the first step toward finding a solution.
In property, this could mean acknowledging that a project is over budget, that a tenant isn’t paying rent, or that a contractor isn’t meeting expectations. These moments of honesty can be transformative.
“It’s not the mistakes that define us, but how we respond to them.”
How to Handle Setbacks with Grace
1. Pause and Reflect
When things go wrong, our first instinct is often to act quickly. But knee-jerk reactions can make things worse. Take a moment to pause, assess the situation, and think clearly.
Holding your position and making a clear plan is far more effective than rushing into action.
2. Seek the Right Advice
You don’t know what you don’t know. That’s why reaching out to someone with experience is invaluable. Whether it’s a mentor, a trusted colleague, or someone like me, an experienced professional can help you create a solid plan to move forward.
This is exactly why I created my Free Video Series: Mastering Property Conflict Resolution. It’s designed to help you navigate disputes and setbacks with confidence.
3. Take Small, Intentional Steps
Breaking down a problem into manageable pieces can help reduce overwhelm. Focus on one task at a time and celebrate small wins along the way.
“Adversity is a fact of life. It can’t be controlled. What we can control is how we react to it.” – Unknown
Turning Setbacks Into Strengths
Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in property came from moments of failure. Challenges force us to adapt, to think differently, and to grow.
Every setback is an opportunity to refine your approach. The key is to embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re navigating a property conflict or feeling overwhelmed by a setback, don’t face it alone. My Free Property Conflict Resolution Toolkit is here to help.
Inside, you’ll find practical resources and expert guidance to help you:
- Resolve disputes with builders, tenants, and joint venture partners
- Stay calm under pressure and make informed decisions
- Protect your investment and avoid costly mistakes
Download the toolkit today and get instant access—plus, you’ll join my email list so you never miss future insights, blogs, and resources.
Final Thoughts
We all face challenges in property investment—it’s part of the journey. But how we handle those challenges defines our success. By being honest, seeking the right advice, and taking intentional steps, you can turn even the toughest situations into valuable learning experiences.
As The Property Conflict Queen, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s tackle these challenges together—sign up for my free video series and start your journey toward confident conflict resolution today.
Kelly Lemon
