with A.Z. Araujo - Episode 60:

Never The Same

with A.Z. Araujo - Episode 60:

Never The Same

CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Fight or Flight? Will you hunker down and wait for the storm to pass, waiting for the sun to rise? Will you let others push you down so that you stay below their level of comfort? In this time of uncertainty, I choose to brace my footing and charge forward. We must stand firm in what we know has been proven to work in this industry. While the giants sleep, you need to strike; when they awaken, you will rise like the Phoenix and be the leader you have been preparing your whole life to be. 
The Passing Storm
  • ​We all need reminders and direction of what to do, especially if you are new to owning a business through a crisis. You need to stay connected more now than ever. It is easy to go down a path of uncertainty and that it will only get worse from here. There is some truth to that, and this crisis may get worse for us. We need to continue to do the things we can do and not get stressed out by trying to control what we cannot. 
  • ​Some of us will feel the effects of this more than others. Going through a process of reminders of a personal crisis will allow us to face financial and health crises in a position to win. We are positioning ourselves, so we come out of it better than before. 
  • ​I spent a lot of time on social media, a lot of time on my phone. I was doing a lot of research on YouTube and consumed some great content. I spent time posting things also. I made a conscious decision that once this crisis is over, I will come out stronger and better. We all are going to face some type of financial stress; we will. 
  • ​We all are going to feel the pinch, and some of us may feel it more than others. This quote that Carla put out there is a reminder that we need to stay focused during this time; “Don't wait until the storm passes; you will sit in regret when the sun rises.” When we are in a place of unknowing and fear, the first thing we do as humans is fight or flight. I have learned through my conditioning and personal experiences, I am more likely to fight than to hesitate. I am more likely to strike than to take a step back.
  • ​This has been a conditioning process that I have experienced through many years of personal crisis. This weekend I asked people to share what their tattoos mean to them on my Facebook. My first tattoo shows the Arc Angel Michael striking what I consider the demons; complacency, mediocrity, and temptation. One individual that shared was in the military and at war, and he put a phoenix on his arm. I have a phoenix on my arm as well. He described what that tattoo meant to him. There was a confidence, a certainty, and a tone that he set when he put this down; he was injured, shot, in combat. He told the story of what the phoenix meant to him. 
  • ​It took me back to when I was 17 years old when I was shot, not in combat. I was shot because I was a knucklehead and living recklessly. I almost bled out. I wasn't necessarily the incident that left the lasting effects; it was the recovery. That was the hardest part. 
  • ​I would sit there and pray and ask God why He saved me. Often I would find myself in a place of sadness, being the victim in the situation. I would be angry at the individuals that did this to me. The post-traumatic stress, triggered by this event, is what I had to face later. I would continuously get these flashbacks, and my social anxiety was through the roof. I went through a good two years, where I was uncomfortable in crowds. I would hear a loud noise, and it would take me right back to that situation when I was shot and almost died.
  • ​This went on for many years. After a personal crisis, we all have decisions to make; time does heal wounds, but for some, it never ends. We continue to play the thoughts over and over again, and we never let it die. I started to see it from a different perspective and all the beauty that was in my life and the world; my second chance. As we are going through this crisis, think about the specific times you have been through a personal crisis. 
  • ​The moment you allowed yourself to see it as a positive, you began to grow exponentially. When we decided that it would no longer control our lives, we decided that things would be better for us. I felt imprisoned by this, and I can remember declaring that this would not happen any longer. The flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares started to subside.
Rise and Shine
  • When we face an economic or health crisis, as we are now, most people are thinking about what happened in 2008. Money was scarce, and many families lost their homes through massive foreclosures. If you were in business, you were out of business. The ramifications ensued for years after. 
  • ​This is fresh, but for some, they are still living in fear and anxiety from what happened years ago. They never let it die; I let it die in 2008. Right now, the fear is rampant; the thoughts are vivid of how things were. They are so vivid, and we feel as if we are in it again. Taking a step back, we can see that nothing is the same. Every personal crisis I have been through, the crisis you have overcome have made for an incredible life and journey. This crisis is temporary, but if we fall victim to the noise, we will bring every crisis we have overcome, and see it as the present. 
  • ​The post-trauma from 2008 lasted many years for a lot of us. I couldn't do anything until a few years ago. I had to use my credit because it was so shy. It isn't what happens during these times, but what we can do so when the sun rises; we aren't sitting in regret. I am asking you to rise with me. This is nothing greater than what you have been through already; it doesn't even compare. The action starts today, and it continues and doesn't stop. The vast majority of the individuals in our industry are stopping or hesitating. 
  • ​This is a prime opportunity for you to hone in on your skill sets, put the systems you have been delaying into place. After every crisis, we will never remain the same. The person I was as a 17-year-old, or a 20-year-old; facing the economic disaster in 2008 as a 30-year-old, is very different. I am thankful for all of those moments, and I am very different today because of them. 
  • ​I was very self-conscious about the scar on my arm at 18 years old; it was mangled. My scars are not so fresh now, but it was a depleted, mangled arm for many years. If I could get through that, I could get through anything. We need to continually remind ourselves that a crisis never leaves us the same; it makes us better. We can't sit here and wish that things weren't like this or want things to return how they were. I've got news for you; they will never go back to the way they were. This is the shift. You either rise from this and become better or not; things will not remain the same.
Peaks, Valley, and Perseverance
  • Out of this crisis, what you decide to do, will determine the success when the sun rises. Some of you will be in better health, mentally stronger, your systems will be implemented, and you will have a stronger bond with your kids. You will be more certain, and others will not. That is the unfortunate part. 
  • ​I went on a 4-mile run with an associate of mine, and he was talking about my demeanor. He talked about the moves I was making and continuing to make. Even though I am in the same position as everyone else, this is unprecedented. I don't know what is going to happen next. Every day, I have conditioned myself to win, and I am striking. When you condition yourself to win, what's going on around you doesn't matter; the confidence that ensues from that is that you will win and make things happen. There is no way you can lose by doing the right things, day in and day out. 
  • ​Guess what I am doing through these times? The same things I did when times were good. I didn't let up, because I know the game of life. Peaks and Valleys. I also have a sense of appreciation for learning from my mistakes. I have gratitude for my perseverance, and you should too. You have been through it all, and you are still here. We have to be very intentional during this time and not sit on our hands. Times like this will determine your true colors. 
  • ​Your kids and your clients are watching you. This is only for the short-term, and we don't know for how long. I could last months, but how will you handle yourself? If you have calmness, it's because you have conditioned yourself to do the right things consistently. We need to learn from this; it caught us all off guard, and that is why it is a crisis. Now you know what to do because the tide will turn, things will change, and the market will change. What will you do when times are good? What will you do now in the uncertainty? 
  • ​I understand what responsibilities are on you. This is not a time to shrink; this is a time for you to lead. If you have been a part of this brokerage for any amount of time, you will realize what you have within you. This is not a time to hold back. Become that valuable asset to everyone in your sphere and rise together.
Mob Mentality
  • Understand also that this may last, this uncertainty, so let's make the best of it. You have the tools to condition yourself to win. The same principles that we have been teaching since day one. I am so thankful that I have been on that game for years. I hated being in a place where I had no direction; all I did was delay the inevitable. This is the time to strike because opportunities will come from this. 
  • ​It is essential that we look at the crisis we have been through and how we have handled ourselves. When we decided to overcome, things changed for us. I was on a real estate forum, and it is like a mob talking about how reckless people are—talking about how irresponsible and reckless it is to hold Open Houses right now. These are the people who are terrified and don't want anyone making moves right now. If they aren't making any moves, they don't want you to. It is no more reckless than someone standing in a Costco line with hundreds of people. 
  • ​I'm not telling you to have any or refrain from having any; I’m saying that is your choice. Do it responsibly. There is a mob out there that if you do anything mentioning that you are working for your business, leading from the front, you will need a thick skin because these others cannot stop you from your resolve. 
  • ​On our 4-mile-run the other day, Jesse Abarca, an agent here at A.Z. & Associates, bolted out from the start. There is a lot to that because we used to be in this constant place of running together. I can't expect to run at his level now. He got ahead of me a block at a time, and then one half of a mile ahead, I realized that is a conditioning process that he did. Even though at one time we were at the same level, he has done things that I haven't over the past few months. He has run over 100 miles, training for an Ironman. There is no way I can compete at that level; I can't even keep up with him. 
  • ​It's not because I got worse; it's because he got better. That is what is going to happen during this time. You have to decide to train your brain, your mind, your skill sets; you need to get better. Things will never be the same, so you must get better or stay where you are at. Watching him do that made me appreciate what the work does.
In Closing
  • Right now, you may be ahead of the competition; you may be the player right now. There are a lot of people behind the scenes right now, putting in the work. They are unafraid to put themselves out there, unafraid to lead. There will be many instances that the people who looked up to you will make you wonder how the hell did they do it. Now is the time right now. All of those miles that Jesse put in the work were very relevant and visible in this run. 
  • ​I invite you to come with us and run if you want—a 4 mile run at your own pace. I don't care if you haven't run. The pain won't matter; it's about the power you will receive afterward. Conditioning processes are amazing, almost like a favor you will feel you have. It will be because you have done the right things for yourself and others. There is no way this is going to bring me down or stop me. 
  • ​We must continue on the path of growth and expansion. It will very much become the survival of the fittest. Proclaim that you will come out stronger when the dust settles. You need to remind yourself, and the first thing is to stay connected. Most people you know are not in your situation, not entrepreneurs. Most people are not 100% commission based. They don't know what it feels like. Sometimes we need our own community to bounce back this energy and say it will be okay. You are going to be just fine. Keep doing what has been proven to work. Power-Purpose-Profit. 
  • ​You will not be taking market share out of malice but from a place of leadership. This is where most businesses get their market share. It's not when things are good, that market share is gained. It's when there is a crisis, and people let off of the gas pedal. It's okay to feel those feelings of uncertainty, but take action to overcome those thoughts. 
  • ​I went out and bought the same running shoes that Jesse had because he was gloating about how fast they make him feel. I know it has nothing to do with the shoes; it was the conditioning and 100’s of miles that he has run. It is easy to say it's the system that got him there. We think if we buy a system, we will run at that guy's level; it isn't true. It is him doing the things that most won't do when nobody's watching. Those late-night runs, painful runs; that is how he got there. That is how you will get there in this business. 
  • ​This is a great opportunity for all of us, and things will never be the same. We don't want them to be the same; we cannot go through the anguish and come out the other side unchanged. We will overcome, and we will be stronger. Even though the market fell in 2008, all of us felt the ramifications until almost 2013. We have to prepare for that, but there was a market that most couldn't see. The fear paralyzed them. 
  • ​You can use your experience and work with wisdom. It might get ugly, but we don't know yet, but it's better to be prepared. That line of credit on your home might be a good idea. Just so you won't be in a constant state of anguish. It is hard to think positively when you are financially strapped. It's hard to stay motivated. That is what I had to do because I couldn't have done it without that. I wasn't going back, and I wasn't going to shrink. I maxed out every credit card I could, the last time this happened. I am better prepared now.
  • ​I have so much appreciation for the courage I had during that time. We all need to reflect and have that same appreciation for ourselves. It doesn't mean that we are going to shrink or get out of this business. You do what it takes, credit cards, credit lines, just in case. You don't stop the work.
  • ​You need to push yourself when your mind doesn't want to. Be responsible, and you need to not pay attention to the mob that doesn't want you to rise. These are the same people who are going to the grocery store everyday and buying what they already have. It is frustrating, but don't let them get to you. Keep doing what you are doing. Stay connected, and if you have a deal that is about to cancel, reach out to one of our experienced agents, to me. Keep these deals together because they need you to lead. Don't let this temporary scare take them away from a great opportunity. 
  • ​Let's lean on each other because we can crawl into a little hole and be on an island all by yourself if we don't. Thank you to everyone who joined me today, and contributed with their experiences. Have a wonderful week.

More Episodes

CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
Fight or Flight? Will you hunker down and wait for the storm to pass, waiting for the sun to rise? Will you let others push you down so that you stay below their level of comfort? In this time of uncertainty, I choose to brace my footing and charge forward. We must stand firm in what we know has been proven to work in this industry. While the giants sleep, you need to strike; when they awaken, you will rise like the Phoenix and be the leader you have been preparing your whole life to be. 
The Passing Storm
  • ​We all need reminders and direction of what to do, especially if you are new to owning a business through a crisis. You need to stay connected more now than ever. It is easy to go down a path of uncertainty and that it will only get worse from here. There is some truth to that, and this crisis may get worse for us. We need to continue to do the things we can do and not get stressed out by trying to control what we cannot. 
  • ​Some of us will feel the effects of this more than others. Going through a process of reminders of a personal crisis will allow us to face financial and health crises in a position to win. We are positioning ourselves, so we come out of it better than before. 
  • ​I spent a lot of time on social media, a lot of time on my phone. I was doing a lot of research on YouTube and consumed some great content. I spent time posting things also. I made a conscious decision that once this crisis is over, I will come out stronger and better. We all are going to face some type of financial stress; we will. 
  • ​We all are going to feel the pinch, and some of us may feel it more than others. This quote that Carla put out there is a reminder that we need to stay focused during this time; “Don't wait until the storm passes; you will sit in regret when the sun rises.” When we are in a place of unknowing and fear, the first thing we do as humans is fight or flight. I have learned through my conditioning and personal experiences, I am more likely to fight than to hesitate. I am more likely to strike than to take a step back.
  • ​This has been a conditioning process that I have experienced through many years of personal crisis. This weekend I asked people to share what their tattoos mean to them on my Facebook. My first tattoo shows the Arc Angel Michael striking what I consider the demons; complacency, mediocrity, and temptation. One individual that shared was in the military and at war, and he put a phoenix on his arm. I have a phoenix on my arm as well. He described what that tattoo meant to him. There was a confidence, a certainty, and a tone that he set when he put this down; he was injured, shot, in combat. He told the story of what the phoenix meant to him. 
  • ​It took me back to when I was 17 years old when I was shot, not in combat. I was shot because I was a knucklehead and living recklessly. I almost bled out. I wasn't necessarily the incident that left the lasting effects; it was the recovery. That was the hardest part. 
  • ​I would sit there and pray and ask God why He saved me. Often I would find myself in a place of sadness, being the victim in the situation. I would be angry at the individuals that did this to me. The post-traumatic stress, triggered by this event, is what I had to face later. I would continuously get these flashbacks, and my social anxiety was through the roof. I went through a good two years, where I was uncomfortable in crowds. I would hear a loud noise, and it would take me right back to that situation when I was shot and almost died.
  • ​This went on for many years. After a personal crisis, we all have decisions to make; time does heal wounds, but for some, it never ends. We continue to play the thoughts over and over again, and we never let it die. I started to see it from a different perspective and all the beauty that was in my life and the world; my second chance. As we are going through this crisis, think about the specific times you have been through a personal crisis. 
  • ​The moment you allowed yourself to see it as a positive, you began to grow exponentially. When we decided that it would no longer control our lives, we decided that things would be better for us. I felt imprisoned by this, and I can remember declaring that this would not happen any longer. The flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares started to subside.
Rise and Shine
  • When we face an economic or health crisis, as we are now, most people are thinking about what happened in 2008. Money was scarce, and many families lost their homes through massive foreclosures. If you were in business, you were out of business. The ramifications ensued for years after. 
  • ​This is fresh, but for some, they are still living in fear and anxiety from what happened years ago. They never let it die; I let it die in 2008. Right now, the fear is rampant; the thoughts are vivid of how things were. They are so vivid, and we feel as if we are in it again. Taking a step back, we can see that nothing is the same. Every personal crisis I have been through, the crisis you have overcome have made for an incredible life and journey. This crisis is temporary, but if we fall victim to the noise, we will bring every crisis we have overcome, and see it as the present. 
  • ​The post-trauma from 2008 lasted many years for a lot of us. I couldn't do anything until a few years ago. I had to use my credit because it was so shy. It isn't what happens during these times, but what we can do so when the sun rises; we aren't sitting in regret. I am asking you to rise with me. This is nothing greater than what you have been through already; it doesn't even compare. The action starts today, and it continues and doesn't stop. The vast majority of the individuals in our industry are stopping or hesitating. 
  • ​This is a prime opportunity for you to hone in on your skill sets, put the systems you have been delaying into place. After every crisis, we will never remain the same. The person I was as a 17-year-old, or a 20-year-old; facing the economic disaster in 2008 as a 30-year-old, is very different. I am thankful for all of those moments, and I am very different today because of them. 
  • ​I was very self-conscious about the scar on my arm at 18 years old; it was mangled. My scars are not so fresh now, but it was a depleted, mangled arm for many years. If I could get through that, I could get through anything. We need to continually remind ourselves that a crisis never leaves us the same; it makes us better. We can't sit here and wish that things weren't like this or want things to return how they were. I've got news for you; they will never go back to the way they were. This is the shift. You either rise from this and become better or not; things will not remain the same.
Peaks, Valley, and Perseverance
  • Out of this crisis, what you decide to do, will determine the success when the sun rises. Some of you will be in better health, mentally stronger, your systems will be implemented, and you will have a stronger bond with your kids. You will be more certain, and others will not. That is the unfortunate part. 
  • ​I went on a 4-mile run with an associate of mine, and he was talking about my demeanor. He talked about the moves I was making and continuing to make. Even though I am in the same position as everyone else, this is unprecedented. I don't know what is going to happen next. Every day, I have conditioned myself to win, and I am striking. When you condition yourself to win, what's going on around you doesn't matter; the confidence that ensues from that is that you will win and make things happen. There is no way you can lose by doing the right things, day in and day out. 
  • ​Guess what I am doing through these times? The same things I did when times were good. I didn't let up, because I know the game of life. Peaks and Valleys. I also have a sense of appreciation for learning from my mistakes. I have gratitude for my perseverance, and you should too. You have been through it all, and you are still here. We have to be very intentional during this time and not sit on our hands. Times like this will determine your true colors. 
  • ​Your kids and your clients are watching you. This is only for the short-term, and we don't know for how long. I could last months, but how will you handle yourself? If you have calmness, it's because you have conditioned yourself to do the right things consistently. We need to learn from this; it caught us all off guard, and that is why it is a crisis. Now you know what to do because the tide will turn, things will change, and the market will change. What will you do when times are good? What will you do now in the uncertainty? 
  • ​I understand what responsibilities are on you. This is not a time to shrink; this is a time for you to lead. If you have been a part of this brokerage for any amount of time, you will realize what you have within you. This is not a time to hold back. Become that valuable asset to everyone in your sphere and rise together.
Mob Mentality
  • Understand also that this may last, this uncertainty, so let's make the best of it. You have the tools to condition yourself to win. The same principles that we have been teaching since day one. I am so thankful that I have been on that game for years. I hated being in a place where I had no direction; all I did was delay the inevitable. This is the time to strike because opportunities will come from this. 
  • ​It is essential that we look at the crisis we have been through and how we have handled ourselves. When we decided to overcome, things changed for us. I was on a real estate forum, and it is like a mob talking about how reckless people are—talking about how irresponsible and reckless it is to hold Open Houses right now. These are the people who are terrified and don't want anyone making moves right now. If they aren't making any moves, they don't want you to. It is no more reckless than someone standing in a Costco line with hundreds of people. 
  • ​I'm not telling you to have any or refrain from having any; I’m saying that is your choice. Do it responsibly. There is a mob out there that if you do anything mentioning that you are working for your business, leading from the front, you will need a thick skin because these others cannot stop you from your resolve. 
  • ​On our 4-mile-run the other day, Jesse Abarca, an agent here at A.Z. & Associates, bolted out from the start. There is a lot to that because we used to be in this constant place of running together. I can't expect to run at his level now. He got ahead of me a block at a time, and then one half of a mile ahead, I realized that is a conditioning process that he did. Even though at one time we were at the same level, he has done things that I haven't over the past few months. He has run over 100 miles, training for an Ironman. There is no way I can compete at that level; I can't even keep up with him. 
  • ​It's not because I got worse; it's because he got better. That is what is going to happen during this time. You have to decide to train your brain, your mind, your skill sets; you need to get better. Things will never be the same, so you must get better or stay where you are at. Watching him do that made me appreciate what the work does.
In Closing
  • Right now, you may be ahead of the competition; you may be the player right now. There are a lot of people behind the scenes right now, putting in the work. They are unafraid to put themselves out there, unafraid to lead. There will be many instances that the people who looked up to you will make you wonder how the hell did they do it. Now is the time right now. All of those miles that Jesse put in the work were very relevant and visible in this run. 
  • ​I invite you to come with us and run if you want—a 4 mile run at your own pace. I don't care if you haven't run. The pain won't matter; it's about the power you will receive afterward. Conditioning processes are amazing, almost like a favor you will feel you have. It will be because you have done the right things for yourself and others. There is no way this is going to bring me down or stop me. 
  • ​We must continue on the path of growth and expansion. It will very much become the survival of the fittest. Proclaim that you will come out stronger when the dust settles. You need to remind yourself, and the first thing is to stay connected. Most people you know are not in your situation, not entrepreneurs. Most people are not 100% commission based. They don't know what it feels like. Sometimes we need our own community to bounce back this energy and say it will be okay. You are going to be just fine. Keep doing what has been proven to work. Power-Purpose-Profit. 
  • ​You will not be taking market share out of malice but from a place of leadership. This is where most businesses get their market share. It's not when things are good, that market share is gained. It's when there is a crisis, and people let off of the gas pedal. It's okay to feel those feelings of uncertainty, but take action to overcome those thoughts. 
  • ​I went out and bought the same running shoes that Jesse had because he was gloating about how fast they make him feel. I know it has nothing to do with the shoes; it was the conditioning and 100’s of miles that he has run. It is easy to say it's the system that got him there. We think if we buy a system, we will run at that guy's level; it isn't true. It is him doing the things that most won't do when nobody's watching. Those late-night runs, painful runs; that is how he got there. That is how you will get there in this business. 
  • ​This is a great opportunity for all of us, and things will never be the same. We don't want them to be the same; we cannot go through the anguish and come out the other side unchanged. We will overcome, and we will be stronger. Even though the market fell in 2008, all of us felt the ramifications until almost 2013. We have to prepare for that, but there was a market that most couldn't see. The fear paralyzed them. 
  • ​You can use your experience and work with wisdom. It might get ugly, but we don't know yet, but it's better to be prepared. That line of credit on your home might be a good idea. Just so you won't be in a constant state of anguish. It is hard to think positively when you are financially strapped. It's hard to stay motivated. That is what I had to do because I couldn't have done it without that. I wasn't going back, and I wasn't going to shrink. I maxed out every credit card I could, the last time this happened. I am better prepared now.
  • ​I have so much appreciation for the courage I had during that time. We all need to reflect and have that same appreciation for ourselves. It doesn't mean that we are going to shrink or get out of this business. You do what it takes, credit cards, credit lines, just in case. You don't stop the work.
  • ​You need to push yourself when your mind doesn't want to. Be responsible, and you need to not pay attention to the mob that doesn't want you to rise. These are the same people who are going to the grocery store everyday and buying what they already have. It is frustrating, but don't let them get to you. Keep doing what you are doing. Stay connected, and if you have a deal that is about to cancel, reach out to one of our experienced agents, to me. Keep these deals together because they need you to lead. Don't let this temporary scare take them away from a great opportunity. 
  • ​Let's lean on each other because we can crawl into a little hole and be on an island all by yourself if we don't. Thank you to everyone who joined me today, and contributed with their experiences. Have a wonderful week.

More Episodes

A.Z. & Associates Real Estate Group - 2019