In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery…
I reflect on a powerful weekend that reminded me what long-term success really requires—discipline, the right habits, and surrounding yourself with people who live by their values.
My daughter just returned from studying abroad in Barcelona, and I can’t begin to express how proud I am of who she’s become. She walked into that challenge on her own—no safety net, no friends, just her courage. And yeah, it got lonely. But she didn’t lower her standards to fit in. She stood firm on who she is, and the right people showed up. That’s a lesson for all of us.
Later that weekend, Carla and I stepped out to a birthday dinner for one of our agents, Madeline. What stood out wasn’t just the celebration—it was the depth of the conversation. Madeline asked a question that hit hard: “What would you tell yourself at 28?” And I had a lot to say. Because I’ve lived through the shame, the financial mess, the marital struggles, the lawsuits—you name it. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: it always gets better, if you keep moving forward.
But here’s the catch—success doesn’t last if it’s built on the wrong habits. I’ve been that guy with temporary wins and long-term chaos. That’s why I constantly tell my team—and myself—to evaluate the habits we’re building. If your success is costing you your health, your peace, or your family, it’s not sustainable. Something’s got to change.
At that dinner table, I looked around and saw something rare: people who weren’t just talking business, but who were striving to grow in every area of life. These are people who’ve fought through adversity and came out stronger. That’s the type of circle that keeps you sharp. That’s the culture we’ve built at A.Z. & Associates.
If you’re out there trying to figure this all out alone, let this be a reminder: when you raise your standards, you might lose some people—but you’ll gain the right ones. You’ll become someone unstoppable. A force to be reckoned with. And yes—it’s possible for you too.
Five Questions to Reflect On:
Are the people around you helping you grow—or holding you back?
What habits are you relying on right now, and will they sustain your success long-term?
Have you ever lowered your standards to fit in? What did that cost you?
What would your 40-year-old self thank you for doing today?
When you hit adversity, do you stop—or remind yourself that it always gets better?
“Don’t lower your standards just because you’re feeling lonely.”
“It always gets better. I will become better because of this.”
“Long-term success is built on the appropriate habits.”
“You shouldn’t feel like a burden in a relationship just because you’re growing.”
“My daughter is a force to be reckoned with. This organization is a force to be reckoned with. My life is a force to be reckoned with. And it’s possible for you too.”
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