From Figure Skating to 7-Figure Property Portfolio: 5 Mindset Shifts I Took from Professional Sports That Will Help You Achieve Your Property Goals
My journey from the ice rink to building a multi-million-pound portfolio has been anything but conventional. The thrill of gliding across the ice and landing jumps that once seemed impossible taught me a lot about persistence, strategy, and resilience. For years, figure skating was my world—early mornings, endless hours of practice, and an unwavering drive to improve.
When I transitioned from competitive sports to the corporate world—and later into property development—I quickly realised that the same mindset that drove me to excel on the ice was essential in navigating the challenges I faced in my property ventures. The same mental attitude that pushed me to land a difficult jump now empowers me to handle complex property deals, whether it's barn conversions, planning gain opportunities, self-build projects, or commercial conversions.
The discipline, mental fortitude, focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence I developed in sports became my biggest asset and the foundation of my success in property. These are the same principles I share with my property coaching and mentoring clients, empowering them to act and achieve their own goals.
In this article, I’ll share five key mindset shifts and actionable tips that have helped me build a successful property portfolio. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your property business to the next level, these insights can help you achieve success in your property journey.
1. Embrace Discomfort: Growth Lies Beyond the Comfort Zone
In figure skating, progress comes from pushing the boundaries of what’s comfortable—whether it’s mastering a new jump or perfecting a complex routine. I remember as a young skater, the first time I attempted an axel, one of the sport’s most complex jumps. I feared falling and failure, but I knew that without taking the risk, I’d never reach the next level of competition. The same principle applies to property development. The biggest opportunities often lie just outside your comfort zone, and embracing discomfort is essential to achieving significant growth.
This lesson directly translated to one of my first property projects: converting a derelict house into a high-end house of multiple occupation (HMO). The unknowns were daunting at the time, but by pushing through the discomfort and embracing the challenge, I successfully completed the project, which became one of the most profitable properties in my portfolio.
Actionable Tip: Identify an area in your property business where you’ve been playing it safe, whether it’s avoiding bigger projects, shying away from networking, or hesitating to approach agents. Decide to step outside your comfort zone and take action. Whether it’s attending a new networking event or taking on a more challenging project, commit to pushing your boundaries. The discomfort will pass, but the growth will remain. I co-host The Bristol Property Network (BPN) event, which you’re welcome to join anytime.
2. Develop a Resilient Mindset: Obstacles Are Stepping Stones
In both figure skating and property development, setbacks are inevitable. On the ice, a fall is just part of the process of learning and improving. Instead of letting it discourage me, I used it as motivation to train harder and come back stronger. In property, challenges such as market fluctuations, planning delays, or financing issues are part of the journey. The key is to view these obstacles not as roadblocks but as stepping stones towards your goals.
I’ve faced my fair share of setbacks in property projects, from last-minute financing falling through to buyers pulling out just before exchange. However, I treat every challenge as a learning opportunity rather than letting it get in the way of achieving my goals. For instance, when a mortgage fell through and time was not on our side, I swiftly arranged alternative bridging finance. This quick action secured funding faster and got the project back on track. With multiple exit strategies in place—ten, in fact—and plenty of margin in the deal, we successfully adapted to turn this into a profitable venture.
Actionable Tip: When faced with a setback in your property journey, take a moment to reframe it as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" and "How can I use this experience to improve my approach?" Keeping a journal of your challenges and the lessons learned can be a powerful way to track your growth and maintain a resilient mindset.
3. Strategic Planning: See the Bigger Picture
Figure skating programmes are planned and choreographed to achieve maximum marks in a limited amount of time. In property development, strategic planning is equally crucial. It’s about seeing the bigger picture, understanding market trends, and aligning your projects with long-term goals.
When I first started in property, I developed a business plan focused solely on a single buy-to-let strategy. However, I soon realised that to achieve my goal of being financially independent as soon as possible, I needed to expand into HMOs and property development projects. Just like in skating choreography, where each move contributes to the overall performance, in property development, every strategic decision should align with your broader goals.
Actionable Tip: Regularly review and refine your property development strategy. Start by setting clear, measurable goals for the next 1, 3, and 5 years. Then, map out a strategic plan that aligns with these goals. This might include market research, identifying potential development opportunities, or refining your financing strategy.
4. Persistence Pays Off: Consistency Over Time Leads to Success
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from figure skating is the power of persistence. Landing a difficult jump takes countless hours of practice and unwavering dedication. The same persistence is required in property development. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of consistent effort over time.
One of my current projects, an office-to-flat conversion, has taken eight months to finalise. There have been countless legal hurdles, planning delays, and negotiations, but I am persisting. This deal will eventually lead to a profitable development and will be a testament to the fact that persistence and consistency can turn even the most challenging projects into success stories.
Actionable Tip: Develop a daily routine that prioritises activities that move your property business forward. This could include dedicating time each day to market research, networking, or analysing potential deals. Consistency is key—small, daily actions compound over time and lead to significant results. Stay committed to your routine, even on days when motivation wanes.
5. Leverage Your Unique Experience: Turn Your Background into an Asset
When I transitioned from figure skating to property development, I quickly realised that my unique background gave me a distinct advantage. The discipline, focus, and competitive edge I developed as an athlete set me apart in the property world. Similarly, whatever your background, you can leverage your unique experiences and skills to gain a competitive edge in property development.
In my book A Successful State of Mind, I explore how the mindset developed in professional sports can drive success in business. One chapter focuses on the role of confidence in taking informed risks, a skill I perfected during my figure skating career and later applied to property development. For instance, I once took an informed risk on a commercial office space near a river.
Many investors had overlooked it due to its location in a conservation area, which at the time posed challenges for permitted development. By applying the same strategic thinking I used on the ice to weigh risks against potential rewards, and by working closely with my power team to address any concerns, we contacted the council and discovered we could proceed with permitted development. As a result, I transformed the property into a highly successful residential development.
Actionable Tip: Take some time to reflect on your personal and professional experiences. Identify the skills, strengths, and unique perspectives you bring to the table. Think about how these can be applied to your property business. Whether it’s your ability to stay calm under pressure, your knack for creative problem-solving, or your extensive network, these are assets that can give you an edge in a competitive market.
My journey from figure skating to building a multi-million-pound property portfolio has been a testament to the power of mindset and perseverance. Through these mindset shifts and actionable steps, you too can navigate the challenges of property development and build a successful business.
Remember, success in property, much like success on the ice, isn’t about being the fastest or the strongest. It’s about being the most adaptable, the most resilient, and the most committed to continuous improvement. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your property business to the next level, adopting these principles can help you unlock your full potential and achieve your property goals.
For more insights and personalised guidance on your property journey, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the property world.
Thank you!
A BIG thank you to Blue Bricks for inviting me to contribute this article and for sponsoring the Bristol Property Network (BPN) event.
Wendy BrumwellProperty Developer, Coach, Mentor & TrainerCo-founder of Solution PropertyAmazon Best Selling Published Author
Get in touch…E: wendy@solutionproperty.co.ukW:
Let’s Connect…FB and IG @wendyemmabrumwellLI @wendybrumwell
