December 30, 2024

Living In The Gray | Mindset Mastery with A.Z. Araujo

19 minutes

Living In The Gray In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery… We dive into the importance of living with integrity and how our choices—big or small—shape the success of our lives and businesses. I shared some personal experiences that taught me how every action, no matter how insignificant it seems, eventually comes back full circle. The lesson begins with a story about Monopoly cards, a bank error, and the early conditioning many of us experience. It’s easy to rationalize small errors in our favor—like walking out of a store with an unscanned item or underpaying a contractor. But these moments reveal more about our character than we might think. Over time, patterns of deception or rationalizing dishonesty lead to struggles, whether they’re financial, professional, or personal. I opened up about mistakes I made in the past, like padding numbers while flipping houses and pushing for the lowest prices from contractors. It seemed like a win at the time, but those decisions brought long-term consequences, like an audit that turned my life upside down. These moments taught me that what you put out into the world—whether integrity or deception—comes back to you. I also reflected on how small lapses in integrity affect not only your finances but also your relationships and reputation. For example, an agent who once helped me briefly later took 20% of my commission without clear communication, leaving me feeling misled and leery of future interactions. Similarly, as a broker, I’ve seen situations where a simple misunderstanding or lack of transparency led to a loss of trust. The takeaway? Integrity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for long-term success. Every choice, whether it’s how you treat a contractor or how you handle a financial error, is a reflection of your character. When you live with integrity, you create a solid base for prosperity and abundance. Key Lessons Shared: Integrity builds trust and sustainability in business. Small dishonest actions have far-reaching consequences. Reflect on your behavior during times of scarcity to avoid rationalizing deception. Living in alignment with your values opens doors to lasting success. Reader Engagement Questions: Have you ever rationalized a decision that didn’t align with your values? What did you learn from it? How do you respond when faced with financial errors in your favor? What steps can you take to ensure transparency in your business dealings? How do your everyday decisions reflect your long-term character and values? When was the last time you conducted an "audit" of your actions and choices? What did you discover? Notable Quotes: “What you put out there is what you get back. That’s just the way the world works.” “Just because there was an error doesn’t mean it’s yours. Do the right thing.” “Living in integrity isn’t optional; it’s how you build a foundation for long-term success.” “At the end of the day, deception is deception, no matter how you rationalize it.” “If you’re struggling financially, take a moment to reflect on how you treat others and operate your business.” By auditing our behaviors and choosing to act with integrity, we set the tone for success—not just in our finances, but in every aspect of life.

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