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