Tilting at windmills
In Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quiote believed the windmills were monstrous enemies threatening the land. He charged the windmills and was, of course, knocked off his horse by a windmill’s sail.
This is where the phrase "tilting at windmills“ comes from. It means going to battle despite the certain reality that you can’t win.
My real estate battle
I’ve spent more than 600 hours over the last two months learning about real estate. My girlfriend and I want to buy a home, and I’ve rarely had more ridiculous fun.
Just this week I discovered documents from 2019 that show the extensive work still required by the County of Marin. Among 50 other items, these plans call for structural re-engineerings and sprinklers to be installed throughout the house.
I discovered this report, which appears to be the nail in the coffin in our bid to buy the property, less than 24 hours before it was too late. Reading it, I said goodbye to this project and property.
But the next morning, for the joy of the game, we submitted a new offer detailing our findings and requesting a 25% reduction in price.
Instead of laughing, the seller asked for more details.
Real estate is broken
More than nonprofits, education, or even politics, real estate is a broken system. It is where good ideas and dreams go to die.
Had I not put in more than 600 hours in the last eight weeks, I would find myself the proud owner of a new home only to discover – to my horror – that a million dollars and several years are needed before we can take occupancy!
Fortunately, discoveries made in escrow have to be disclosed to future buyers. Even after I walk away, I've done a service to whoever does eventually buy this property.
I’m not going to be able to change a system that makes navigating bureaucracy twice as costly as doing actual renovations. I am not even attempting to change that system. But I am trying to make my small mark.
Navigating broken systems
We’re living amidst broken systems.
In United States, in the last hundred days we’ve witnessed a collapse of “norms” that I was taught were laws of the land.
The US government can deport people who are in the United States legally to El Salvadoran’s Gulags, and the courts – lacking physical threat of force – are powerless to stop it.
I feel pretty helpless to do much about the state of the world.
Relentless optimism
A friend this week asked me what I do to keep positive amidst as much challenging news as there is in the world today.
I answered that I cultivate relentless optimism. I choose my battles carefully. And then, occasionally, I go to war with windmills.
How to tilt at windmills
Identify worthy windmills
Not every battle is worth fighting. But some – even unlikely ones – align with your values, stretch your capabilities, and help you grow.
Enjoy the process
Even if the immediate outcome isn’t guaranteed, attempting the practically impossible builds resilience.
The journey is the reward.
Cultivate relentless optimism
Optimism is a practice. Make it a habit to celebrate small wins and find opportunities in setbacks.
Optimism isn’t naïveté. It is strength in the face of adversity.
I don’t think we’ll buy this property. I’m nearly to the point that I want to walk away. But perhaps we all ought to spend a bit more time tilting at windmills.
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3 things I’ve loved this week
Quote I’m considering:
"The change we make is at the heart of the work we’re able to do." -author unknown
Book I’ve loved:
Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of Way
This book follows the life of John Boyd, one of the most unsung heroes in American military history. Even more than his impact on plane design or military strategy, Boyd sacrificed career advancement to push against military bureaucracy and a sense that we do things a certain way because “that’s how it has always been done.”
Ladder I love:
Telescoping Aluminum Lightweight Extension Ladder
After witnessing three different real estate professionals all show up with this ladder, I got one for myself. It fits in the back of my Prius, allows me to get on the roof and into the attic, and is something I’ll use forever – even if we don’t buy the house!
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Until next week,
Robin
