Do The Work | Mindset Mastery

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery, I talk about something that's been part of my life for as long as I can remember nervousness. That constant edge of anxiety that creeps in whether things are going really good or starting to slow down. It's that feeling of a fast heartbeat, like something's about to fall apart, even when everything is actually working. I've learned it's not something to eliminate, it's something to understand and manage.

The Reality of Nervousness and Growth

I've realized that this nervousness doesn't go away no matter how much success you have. My mentors, the ones doing eight figures a year, feel it too. That fear of losing it all, that anxiety that says "what if this doesn't last?" it's human. What matters is how we respond. There was a time I thought I was broken because I saw others who seemed constantly confident, always motivated. I thought something was wrong with me for feeling fear even when things were good. But that's just how we're wired, especially if you come from instability or scarcity. It's a natural part of growth.

The danger is when we fight those feelings instead of listening to them. I used to get anxious about being anxious, frustrated that I couldn't just "turn it off." But now I see it as an indicator. It's like the check engine light on your car. It doesn't mean everything's falling apart; it's just telling you to check something before it becomes a bigger issue.

When Fear Becomes a Signal

Most of the time, my anxiety comes from integrity saying I'll do something and not following through. It's not really about the post that flopped or the client that backed out. Those are surface level issues. The root is often in what I've avoided: the calls I haven't made, the marketing I've stopped doing, or the systems I've neglected. When I start feeling that nervousness, I've learned to ask: What did I stop doing that I said I'd do? Because those emotions are not punishment, they're reminders.

And for those of us who feel that fear even when everything's going right, that's also part of it. I used to ruin good moments vacations, dinners, weekends by thinking something had to go wrong soon. I was addicted to the struggle because I believed success only counted if it was hard. Now I know it's okay to feel good and still stay prepared. That nervous energy can be redirected into gratitude and intentional action.

The Comparison Trap

Social media has made it easy to feed our anxiety. We see someone else winning and think it means we're losing. But success isn't limited. Just because another agent closes a big deal doesn't mean there's less for you. Their win doesn't take away from yours. Instead of spiraling into "I'm not good enough," ask, What can I learn from them? What can I apply to my own business?

And when those thoughts of failure come in what if my leads stop, what if the market shifts, what if everything changes remember this: it has always worked out. No matter how bad it's looked before, it's always worked out.

Closing Thoughts

As we enter the last stretch of the year, that nervous energy might feel stronger. The market slows, holidays approach, and our minds start racing. But don't attach meaning to every anxious thought. Instead, use it as fuel to get back to what you said you'd do. Identify it, appreciate what you have, and take action.

It's okay to feel nervous. It's okay to feel fear. You're not broken. You're growing. And just like every other time before, it will all work out.

Reflective Questions

1. When you feel anxious or nervous, what commitments or actions have you avoided that might be causing it?
2. How often do you allow comparison to steal appreciation for where you are right now?
3. What's one thing you can take action on today that will help that nervousness fade?

Notable Quotes

• "It's like being anxious about being anxious. The real problem starts when you fight the feeling instead of understanding it."
• "That nervousness isn't a sign that things are falling apart it's a check engine light reminding you to realign."
• "It's okay to feel good and still be prepared. Identify it, appreciate it, and take action."

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

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• • shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery

As we head into the final quarter of 2025, I can't help but reflect on how quickly this year has passed. For some it has been a year of breakthroughs, for others a season of struggle, and for many it has been the same repeated cycle with no real progress. I know that space well because I spent years stuck there, constantly comparing myself to others, replaying the same broken record of frustration and disappointment.

What I learned is that when you remain in that weakened state and do nothing, it always makes things worse. There is no positive outcome that comes from inaction. It took me years of turmoil, fights at home, depression, and setbacks before I finally said enough was enough. I had to let go of arrogance, become a student, and follow a proven model with absolute discipline. That model taught me to take care of my body, grow my mind, and improve my business every single day. Eleven years later, that same discipline has carried me through highs and lows, created stability, and given me the responsibility to teach others to do the same.

Last week, I interviewed one of our top producers, Felipe. His story hit hard. His mother in law is battling a terminal illness, and his family is carrying that weight every single day. Yet he continues to show up, smiling, working, and leading his family. He's able to remain strong because he follows the same model he built in times of peace. He makes his power deposits, his purpose deposits, and his profit deposits, even in the middle of heartbreak. That discipline allows him to stay strong when most would break.

And that is the lesson. Discipline is what steadies you when the storms of life hit. Without it, you ride an emotional roller coaster that everyone around you feels your family, your clients, even strangers on Instagram. But with discipline, you create stability. You show up the same way whether life is good or life is breaking apart. You keep moving forward regardless of fear, anger, or doubt.

I've lived this through every season of my business and my life: from financial ruin, to injuries, to losing agents, to being told the company wouldn't survive. And each time, I kept showing up, making my deposits, holding to the model. You wouldn't know my fear or my doubt because I refused to let it dictate my actions. That is what built this company, that is what built my family, and that is what continues to build my life today.

So as we close this year, ask yourself: are you operating from feelings, or are you following a standard? Are you making deposits every day, or are you hoping that things just work out? Because without discipline, you don't stand a chance. With it, you create a foundation that allows you to not only survive but thrive no matter what comes your way.

Reader Engagement Questions

1. Where in your life do you need to raise your standard so discipline guides you instead of feelings?
2. How do your family, clients, and peers experience you when things fall apart do they see strength or instability?
3. What daily deposits can you commit to right now that will keep you steady through both success and hardship?

Notable Quotes

• "If you are in a weakened position and you do nothing, it makes things worse. There is no positive that could come out of that."
• "Discipline allows you to remain strong in moments of tragedy, in moments of weakness, in moments of doubt and fear but you wouldn't know."
• "Regardless of where I am in life, I show up the very same way day in and day out. But again, you wouldn't know."

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

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• • shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery

I reflected on the way we often sabotage ourselves after hitting milestones in life, marriage, or business. What I discovered is that success is not the final destination. It is only proof of what we are capable of, but if we stop doing the things that got us there, erosion sets in. That erosion often shows up as stress, frustration, and even conflict in relationships.

The Upper Limit

One of the biggest lessons I shared is the idea of the upper limit. When things are going too well, we unconsciously put a ceiling on how far we can go. Instead of celebrating a win and building on it, fear creeps in. We start asking questions like, "What if I can't do this again?" or "What if this was just luck?" Those thoughts slowly break down our momentum.

I have seen it in my business and in my marriage. A great month in sales, or a great season at home, would unknowingly trigger fear that it could not last. Instead of making more deposits into the relationships and actions that created those wins, I would rest on the belief that things should just stay good on their own. The truth is, success only multiplies when we continue doing the work that got us there.

Deflection and Spite

Another pattern I noticed is how easy it is to deflect blame when things start breaking down. It is easy to say it is my clients, it is the market, it is my spouse, it is my kids. But weeks or months before, when everything was flowing, I was not saying those things. The problem was not them. The problem was me. I stopped showing up the same way. I stopped making deposits. And eventually the energy dropped, leading to spite and disconnection.

Breaking the Dysfunction

The dysfunction shows up when we start believing that joy, peace, or prosperity cannot last. We tell ourselves that if things are too good, something bad must be around the corner. That thinking erodes the very progress we worked so hard for. The real challenge is to catch it early. To identify when fear is sneaking in after a big win and to remind ourselves that success is repeatable. Prosperity has no ceiling.

When I look back at my own life, both in business and in marriage, the times that desperation took over were the times I failed to catch those upper limits. The key is to take full responsibility. To audit where I stopped making the daily deposits. To remember that success is not luck, it is the result of intention and consistency.

Conclusion

The upper limit is not the end of your progress unless you allow it to be. Wins are not meant to be one-time events. They are proof of what is possible when you stay committed and consistent. Stop deflecting, stop doubting, and stop fearing that success will disappear. Put in the deposits daily, and prosperity will keep multiplying in every area of your life.

Reflective Questions

1. Where in your life have you unconsciously placed an upper limit after a big win?
2. What deposits did you stop making in your marriage, business, or personal growth that once fueled your success?
3. How can you shift your mindset today to see prosperity as limitless rather than temporary?

Notable Quotes

• "The moment you start to fear that it is never going to happen again is the moment you are already eroding your progression."
• "Success is an obligation and a responsibility, and it requires daily deposits to keep multiplying."
• "It is not about your clients, your spouse, or your kids. It is about what you stopped doing."

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

New Do The Work Gear:

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• • shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery I connect three threads that shaped my week leadership work ethic and faith. I walk through a real conversation with my leaders a hard look at my own past and a shocking video that forced me to lead my family with clarity instead of emotion. The lesson is simple. When I keep my work ethic and my faith in place the results I call favor follow. When I chase favor without doing the work or I let distractions run me I lose my edge and I lose my peace.

What Happened

We met with a small group of team leaders at the office. I reminded them and myself that leadership is stewardship. It starts with how I lead me. It extends to how I lead my family and then my team. I shared my own story from 2018 when the business felt like it broke me. The economy shifted deals fell through agents left and I kept asking when things would turn. The answer was not out there. It was in my daily work and my faith in a bigger purpose than my next commission check.

I also revisited an older wound. Years ago I opened my playbook to someone I brought in. He used that access to compete with me. I blamed him. The truth was I took my eyes off my path. I stopped studying. I stopped answering calls. I got complacent. Competition was a gift. It pushed me to evolve rather than gatekeep and stall.

After the meeting I saw a graphic video of the killing of Charlie Kirk. It shook me. It brought back the day I was shot and almost bled out. That memory used to carry anger at a friend who froze instead of helping. Today I see his fear for what it was. I chose to lead my daughters through what they saw. I asked them how it made them feel. We talked about fear anger empathy and being human. The point was not to feed rage. The point was to feel the pain and still choose to do good and be good.

The Lesson

Results are not random. Favor is the byproduct of two things I control every day. Relentless work ethic and real faith. Work ethic means I show up with intention focus and persistence whether it is my health my marriage my clients or my team. Faith means I trust a bigger purpose while I do the work. If I chase favor without those two I become entitled and easily distracted. If I keep those two in place I can face setbacks and even public chaos without losing who I am.

How I Apply It

I audit my effort before I complain about results. If I am tired have I stopped doing the work to take care of me. If my marriage feels off what actions and attention did I drop. If business is slow where did I cut corners on calls study and skill. I choose conversations that build agency in my home and in my team. I lead through questions and action not through outrage. I keep moving with gratitude and conviction. That is how favor shows up.

Conclusion

The world will hand you distractions and hard moments. Your response will either drain you or grow you. Keep the standard. Do the work. Hold the faith. Favor follows. Lead yourself first. Lead your home. Then lead your business. That is how you live this message not just hear it.

Reader Questions

1. Where have you taken your eyes off your own path and started watching someone else
2. What specific action today would prove your standard in your health marriage or business
3. What conversation do you need to start with your family or team to turn emotion into leadership

Notable Quotes

1. "Leadership is a stewardship."
2. "Work ethic plus strong faith will create the favor."
3. "Something greater than your next commission check."

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

New Do The Work Gear:

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• shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery, I break down a simple truth I live by every day. Attitude is the foundation. Enthusiasm is the expression. When I move with purpose even on the mornings I feel stiff, tired, and anything but motivated, my actions create the energy I need. People read my face, my voice, my posture, and they respond to what I carry. If I choose purpose, others feel it and follow it.

Introduction

I did not wake up inspired. My back hurt. My shoulder was tight. I shuffled to the bathroom like a slow old man. Then I walked into the gym and a guy told me I always move with purpose. That compliment reminded me of the standard I set for myself. I do not wait for motivation. I act first. The energy shows up after.

Body

Awareness creates advantage I know eyes are on me. Clients, team, family, even strangers at the gym read my body language. They decide how far to push, whether to trust, and if they want to work with me based on what I show. When I smile, stand tall, and speak with conviction, I transmit certainty. Certainty moves deals forward.

Action before motivation I never count on feeling ready. I get moving and let the movement warm up my mind. Action builds motivation. Motivation builds inspiration. Then I stack more action. That cycle is how I keep momentum, even when my body hurts or my schedule is heavy.

Enthusiasm is a skill Enthusiasm is not fake. It is a decision to express what I believe. Shoulders back. Eye contact. Strong handshake. Clear tonality. Words that lead. I do this with my family so they can believe in me. I do it with clients so they can make confident decisions. If I carry worry, they mirror worry. If I carry certainty, they mirror certainty.

Lead the room with your presence At the gym I skip every other stair. At the coffee shop Carla and I visit, we are met with smiles and service because we bring the same energy. People respond to the way you enter a space. Move like you have somewhere to be and something to build. Smile first. It opens doors.

Say you are the best and then deliver Big claims force big delivery. When I say I market the best, negotiate the best, and deliver the best, I give my subconscious direct orders. Then I back it up with preparation, presence, and follow through. Clients already believe you are the best when they call you. Do not talk them out of it by being timid, worried, or slow.

Protect client experience with your tone Problems happen. Appraisals come in low. Inspections get messy. Your job is not to transfer panic. Your job is to take on the worry and lead with solutions. Calm tone. Clear path. People want to feel they made the right decision when they chose you.

Practical cues to switch on enthusiasm Smile before you call. Stand up when you negotiate. Use your hands when you explain. Nod to confirm understanding. Keep your voice steady. Dress with intention. If you feel yourself fading, lean your shoulders forward and let your body pull your mind into motion. Forward momentum beats hesitation.

Conclusion

Attitude sets your standard. Enthusiasm shows the world your standard. Stop waiting to feel ready. Take the action that moves you. Smile with purpose. Speak with conviction. Walk like you mean it. When you do, people feel safe making decisions around you. That is leadership. That is how you produce.

Reader Questions

1. Where in your day do you usually wait for motivation, and what action can you take first to spark it instead
2. Think about your last client meeting. What did your face, tone, and posture communicate before you said a word
3. What bold claim about your service are you willing to make today, and what specific action will you take to back it up

Notable Quotes

1. Attitude is the foundation and enthusiasm is the expression.
2. Do not wait for motivation. Take the action and let the action create the energy.
3. Clients already believe you are the best or they would not have called. Do not talk them out of it.

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

New Do The Work Gear:

Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more:

• shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery, I talk about why supplements are not just vitamins. They are the extra inputs that help you operate at peak levels in every area. The lesson started at home with our dogs. Training them myself worked only up to a point. Real progress came when we added expert guidance. That same truth applies to business, health, faith, marriage, and parenting. If you want to last and not just compete for a moment, you must supplement your life.

What happened

Our dogs used to run wild the moment they got excited. Walks turned into chaos. Vet visits were embarrassing. We brought in a trainer and learned a simple command. Place. This morning both dogs stayed on their beds while Carla and I moved through the house. It was a visible shift. The right supplement changed the entire environment.

The bigger idea

Supplements are not only in a bottle. They are the people you ask for advice, the coaches you hire, the habits you choose, the food you eat, the books you read, the prayers you make, and the actions you repeat. I used to think all my problems were business problems. I kept hitting the wall until I invested in my faith, my marriage, my kids, and my health. When those deposits increased, my business followed.

Ask the right people

Many get crushed because they ask the wrong people the right questions. Do not ask for business direction from someone who has never built a business. Do not ask parenting advice from someone who is not involved with their kids. Respect people for what they do well and ask within that lane. I hired coaches for health, faith, business, and family. Carla is my spiritual supplement. I go to her because she lives in the Word and shares from experience.

Own your decision

Advice is input, not a verdict. If your soul says move and someone says wait, you must decide. Do not hide your fear behind someone else's opinion. When you outsource your choices, you erode your certainty. Take the guidance, measure it against your values and your vision, then choose.

How to apply it today

Audit your sources. Write down who you go to for business, for marriage, for parenting, for health, and for faith.

Match the mentor to the category. If they do not live what you want, find someone who does.

Make daily deposits into the Prime 3 power. Health and fitness. Mental and spiritual fuel. Family and profits through marketing, sales, systems, and leadership.

Tighten the basics. Eat better. Move your body. Read daily. Pray daily. Set clear standards at home and at work.

Check your environment. Simple commands changed our home. Simple standards will change your business.

Conclusion

The right supplement replenishes, energizes, and repairs. If you want a life that lasts, stop searching for a single fix in business and start strengthening every area that feeds your purpose. Ask better people better questions. Make your deposits. Then own your decision and move.

Reader Questions

Who are you asking for advice in each area of your life and do they actually live the results you want

What is one deposit you will make today in your Prime 3 power that would raise your standard this week

Where have you outsourced a decision out of fear and what choice will you own before the day ends

Notable Quotes

"It replenishes you, it energizes you, it repairs you."

"Make your deposits every day. The Prime 3 power."

"At the end of the day, you have to own your decision."

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

New Do The Work Gear:

Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more:

• shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery...

I looked around at our momentum and realized how far we have come. But here is the truth. Growth is never without pain. The market will expose those who do not adjust. It will reveal who is willing to adapt, learn, and push through. I had to remind myself that the grind never stops. And even in the tough moments, I cannot forget the promises I made to myself when I was down. That is where the fire comes from.

The story

This week I reflected on how the tide of the market exposes everything. When the tide is high, everyone wins. But when the tide goes low, you find out who has the mindset to keep going. I compared it to my own journey. From being recognized as a top agent, to building teams, to running one of the largest brokerages in the state, every level required me to change. It required me to sharpen my skills, build new systems, and keep showing up even when the industry shifted. And that is exactly what is happening now. Many agents are walking away, but many of us are growing faster than ever because we stay in the fight.

What shifted

The shift happened when I stopped wishing someone else would fix my problems. I used to want someone to run my ads, handle my follow up, or even train my agents for me. But no one is coming to save you. The moment I took full responsibility for my business was the moment everything changed. I became a better trainer, a better communicator, and a better leader. I learned to simplify the game and help new agents close quickly. That ownership made all the difference. The same goes for how we handle trauma. Pain can keep you stuck, or it can push you to grow. I call it post traumatic growth. I lived it after surviving a shooting. Paulina lived it after hitting rock bottom and then selling fifteen million in one year. The difference was a decision to flip the switch.

The lesson

The lesson is simple. Stop waiting for someone else to fix your life or your business. Take the pain, take the pressure, and use it as fuel. The growth will come when you own every part of the process.

Put it to work

1. Track the only KPIs that matter: appointments, commitments, escrows, and closings.
2. Stop wishing for help and start building your own process.
3. Decide today to flip the switch and turn pain into power.

Conclusion

The market will always test you. It will expose who you really are. Do not waste years wishing someone would come fix things for you. Take ownership and swing the pendulum in your favor. The power is already in you. The only question is what you will do with it today.

Reader engagement questions

1. What promises did you make to yourself during your toughest moments, and are you living up to them?
2. Where in your business are you still waiting for someone else to take responsibility?
3. How can you turn your current pain into the power that fuels your next level of growth?

Notable quotes

1. "No one is going to come in and fix your business. No one can run it better than you."
2. "The power came when I stopped asking why me and started asking what now."
3. "Pain is no longer pain when you decide to turn it into purpose."

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

New Do The Work Gear:

Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more:

• shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery...

We just got back from a family trip that we had been talking about for months. For us, planning usually means speaking it into existence, not locking in every detail months ahead. This time was different because Carla and I made a conscious choice before we left. We decided this would be our best trip yet, and we were going to plan not only for the good moments but also for the things that could go wrong. That decision changed everything.

What happened

Before we even left, Carla and I sat down and set the tone. We talked about how we would handle frustrations so they would not ruin the experience. That mattered because the trip tested us right away. Delayed flights, missed connections, lost luggage, and canceled plans could have derailed everything. Instead, we kept our focus on the bigger picture.

There were moments where my old habits almost kicked in. When my daughter's bag went missing with some of her most valued belongings, my instinct was to ask why she packed certain things that way. But I checked myself. Carla and I gave her the space to feel upset and reminded her it was only material things. That shift in energy kept the trip on track.

We also made last minute changes that cost us money. Instead of forcing ourselves to stick to the original plan, we adapted and chose what was best for our family in the moment. The result was a better trip than we could have imagined, even though it did not go according to the script.

What I learned

A vision will always come with challenges. The dream is the easy part. The real test is how you respond when things go sideways. Too often we obsess over the task or the setback instead of keeping our attention on the outcome we want.

In business, this is the same as losing a deal and letting it destroy your momentum. If you have enough conversations, enough follow up, and enough people in your pipeline, one lost client will not shake you. The problem is never just the deal that fell through. The problem is not having enough opportunities in play to absorb that hit.

We need to plan for the setbacks as much as we plan for the wins. That way, when the delays, lost luggage, or tough negotiations come, we can pivot without losing our composure.

How it applies to you

Whether it is a trip, a relationship, or your business, the way you handle challenges will decide if you ever reach your vision. If you let every problem become the center of your attention, you will lose sight of what you were chasing to begin with.

Your job is to keep the vision bigger than the current problem. Plan for the good. Plan for the bad. And when things go wrong, remind yourself the result you want is still there as long as you keep moving toward it.

Conclusion

I am proud of how Carla and I handled this trip because it was more than just about having a good time. It was about showing our kids how to respond when life throws a curveball. That is a skill they will use for the rest of their lives. The same is true for business. You can choose to stay stuck on the setback, or you can check your mindset, refocus, and get back to building the life and results you want.

Reader questions

1. How do you usually respond when something throws your plans off track?
2. What steps can you take now to make sure one setback does not derail your entire vision?
3. Are you focusing more on the tasks and problems, or on the end result you truly want?

Notable quotes

1. "Your job is to keep the vision bigger than the current problem."
2. "We need to plan for the setbacks as much as we plan for the wins."
3. "If this is the worst that can happen, I need to check myself and remember what really matters."

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

New Do The Work Gear:

Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more:

• shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery... I share a story that takes me back to some of the darkest times in my life. Carla and I found ourselves buried under financial problems that felt impossible to overcome. From owning a UPS store that became a financial drain to being on the hook for leases and equipment we thought we had offloaded, I felt completely defeated. I was losing confidence in myself and dwelling on how unfair life felt. What I did not realize at the time was that the solution was right in front of me.

Our attorney was one of those divine connections who stepped in at the right time. His calm voice and certainty gave us hope when we felt hopeless. He reminded us that there is always a solution, but it requires action and trust in the process. I had been so focused on outside opportunities that I neglected the most valuable asset I already had, which was my real estate business. It took Carla's courage to make the phone call to our attorney that started the road to rebuilding our lives.

That call was a turning point. It led us to take one step at a time, even when it felt like everything was collapsing. I learned that the worst thing you can do is stop moving. If you stop, you fail. Our attorney reminded us that every successful entrepreneur will face big problems at some point. What separates those who succeed from those who fail is the decision to take the next step, even when it feels terrifying.

Opening an office when we had almost nothing left was the move that changed everything. It was a leap of faith that set into motion everything that came after. We paid our dues, we negotiated our way out of debt, and we stayed consistent with our actions. It took years to recover, but that process shaped the life we live today.

I share this story to remind you that there is always a solution. You already have people in your life who can guide you if you are willing to listen. You just need to take that first step, even if it is small. Stop saying you do not know what to do. Stop focusing on what you lack. The solution is right in front of you, and it starts with action.

Reflective Questions

1. Where in your life are you allowing fear or doubt to keep you from taking the next step forward
2. Who in your life could be that guiding voice if you were willing to reach out and ask for help
3. What is one action you can take today that moves you closer to the solution you already know is in front of you

Notable Quotes

"There is a solution for that, but you are going to have to trust the process. What you cannot do is sit there and dwell. You have to keep moving."

"Even when everything felt like it was against me, I had to take that one step, and that step changed everything."

"Many of the people who guide us are divine connections, but we have to be willing to open our eyes and ears to see and hear them."

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

New Do The Work Gear:

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• shop.dothework.com

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery, I take you back to a moment that almost broke me and ended up building me. The truth is, most of what holds us back in business has nothing to do with knowledge or skill. It has everything to do with how we react when we feel exposed. That feeling of not being good enough, smart enough, or ready enough. And in real estate, that happens more often than most of us want to admit.

When I first got into REOs during the market crash, I was just trying to survive. I didn't have connections. I didn't know the game. I was just willing to outwork everybody. I'd stay up for hours doing broker price opinions for pennies, hoping it would open a door. And eventually, it did.

But at one of my first conferences, I got hit with something that shook me. I was talking to an asset manager when another agent someone local decided to embarrass me in front of him. I didn't know what a "tape" was, and he laughed like it was the dumbest thing in the world. I shrank. I went back to my hotel room that night feeling worthless. And in that moment, I believed what he was trying to make me feel that I didn't belong.

What I didn't realize then is that these moments happen to all of us. Whether you're brand new or been in the business ten years, there's always someone trying to assert dominance. Asking "Are you new?" isn't just a question. It's a power move. It's someone trying to put you in your place so they can feel more secure in theirs.

But here's what I learned the hard way. That moment of embarrassment became fuel. That agent wanted to establish superiority, but he woke up something in me that would not stop. I became one of the top REO producers in the state. I ended up doing business with that same asset manager he tried to impress. I outgrew that moment. And I outgrew him.

Years later, I still see this same dynamic play out with our agents. Newer agents getting shut down by condescending tones. Veteran agents feeling like they should already know everything, so they stop asking questions. That is how growth dies.

We don't have to play that game. We don't have to respond on their terms. You don't have to pick up the phone just because someone is calling. You don't have to explain yourself to someone who's trying to corner you. Hold your frame. Stick to the facts. And know that your license is just as powerful as anyone else's no matter how long they've had theirs.

When I coach my team, I always bring it back to this: confidence isn't pretending you know everything. It's knowing you'll figure it out. It's showing up anyway. It's staying calm, making your move, and letting your work speak louder than their words ever could.

### Ask Yourself:

1. Have I ever let someone else's comment or tone shrink my confidence or momentum?
2. Am I avoiding situations where I feel exposed instead of using them to grow?
3. What would it look like if I treated every embarrassing moment as a catalyst instead of a setback?

### Notable Quotes:

"He didn't realize he woke up a monster." "You don't have to answer to anyone especially not on their time." "Your license is just as good as mine, and I've been doing this for 21 years."

Let them talk. Let them posture. And then let your results do the rest.

Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @azaraujo
• Facebook: A.Z. Araujo
• TikTok: A.Z. Araujo
• YouTube: Do The Work Podcast

For Real Estate Agents in AZ:

Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates:

• dothework.com/azaa

Upcoming Events:

If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit:

• dothework.com
• bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!

New Do The Work Gear:

Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more:

• shop.dothework.com