Ever feel like everyone else in property is moving quicker than you? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Property Developer Show, Athena Dobson shares the real reasons people get stuck, why training alone won’t make you successful, and how focusing on your own journey can change everything.

The comparison trap: why “behind” is an illusion

Athena explains that the number one thing she hears daily is, “Athena, I feel so behind“, her response is alway “behind from who?”

Most of us create a version in our heads of what success looks like, comparing ourselves to the highlight reels we see online. Athena said, “we feel like we’re behind because you see the picture of the keys they’ve just picked up and they’re on the 10th property deal, but what you don’t see is the truth behind it.”

The lesson is clear: progress isn’t a straight line, and comparison can blind you to your own achievements.

Property training isn’t enough

It’s tempting to think that buying a course or attending a seminar will automatically make you successful. Athena warns against this trap: “we fall into the trap of believing that if we pay someone a certain amount of money then we are either going to become that person or it’s going to solve all our problems.”

She also emphasises the importance of implementation, one of her most valuable lessons came from hands-on experience with a one-bedroom flat when she first started out, showing that no theory can replace learning on the ground.

Snakes and ladders theory

Athena’s ‘snakes and ladders’ theory is a must-hear. She explains how setbacks, challenges, and timing shape your journey: just because someone seems ahead now doesn’t mean they’ll stay there, and taking your time to measure each step can pay off in ways you don’t expect.

She also touches on bigger life lessons: “freedom is not the answer,” and reminds women in property that “there are so many women who are the best kept secret that haven’t stood in to their own light yet.”

Whether you’re early in your property journey or feeling stalled, Athena’s insights are practical, honest, and designed to shift your mindset.

Ready to stop feeling stuck and start seeing your own path clearly? Watch the full episode with Athena Dobson on YouTube.