Reckless Optimism to Strategic Success: Building a Life Beyond the Deals with a Healthy Money Mindset"

Reckless Optimism to Strategic Success: Building a Life Beyond the Deals with a Healthy Money Mindset

You ever get that feeling, where people look at you and think you've got it all figured out? I’ve been there. Clients have called me “brilliant,” “gifted,” even “surprising.” But here’s the thing: no matter how many deals I closed or how much praise I got, I found myself living paycheck to paycheck. That constant swing between success and struggle? It’s exhausting. And it made me take a long, hard look at something I had avoided for years—my money mindset.

This isn't about regret, though. It’s about sharing my journey with you—about how my mindset shaped my career, my finances, and my relationships, for better or for worse. Maybe as you read this, you’ll start to think about your own relationship with money and success. I hope so, because the way we think about money goes so much deeper than what’s in our bank account.

How Often Do We Really Think About Our Money Mindset?

For the longest time, I thought that as long as I kept hustling, everything would work out. There was always another deal, another opportunity just around the corner. And honestly? That mindset helped me for a while. It made me bold, pushed me to take risks. But then, the deals didn’t always come when I expected them to. And when that happened, I found myself scrambling—scrambling to pay bills, scrambling to find the next opportunity.

Have you ever felt like that? Like you’re riding this rollercoaster where some months you’re on top of the world, and the next you’re just trying to stay afloat? It’s a tough place to be. And if I’m being real with you, I was stuck there for a long time.

Money: A Reflection of Integrity and Character

Something clicked for me one day—money isn't just a tool for buying things or paying bills. It's a reflection of who we are. The way we handle money speaks to our values, our integrity, and even our self-worth. I realized that it’s not just about making money; it’s about how we show up when it comes to managing it.

Do you ever think about how your financial decisions reflect who you are? I started to notice how the people I admired the most were the ones who didn’t need to be chased for payments. They honored their commitments, they paid on time, and they were transparent. And I thought, why isn’t that me? Why was I, the person known for closing deals and being a “sales genius,” struggling with something so fundamental?

My Sales DNA: From Sisal Door Mats to Big Deals

It all started way before I closed my first insurance deal—back when I was in primary school, selling sisal door mats. I’ll be honest, there were times I felt like the doormat. Rejection after rejection can make you feel that way, but those early days taught me resilience. It built my stamina for the “no’s” that would come later in life. Selling door mats also taught me how to spot serious buyers, filter out the noise, and create a repeat sales pipeline. Not bad lessons for a kid trying to make some extra money, right?

Growing up, my parents had a huge influence on my mindset. My dad, with his international travels, always believed that we could make it, no matter what. He had this unshakeable faith, even in the toughest times. My mom? She’d tell me, “We were born great.” Between the two of them and my siblings, who accomplished so much despite the odds, I was surrounded by this relentless belief in success.

But Let Me Be Honest: The Abundance Mindset Isn’t Always a Gift

I carried this abundance mindset into my career. I always believed that there was another deal around the corner, another opportunity waiting. And that belief helped me in many ways—it gave me the confidence to take risks and chase big dreams. But here’s the flip side: it also made me reckless.

Have you ever convinced yourself that “everything will work out” without really planning for when it doesn’t? That was me. When the deals didn’t close fast enough, I was left scrambling. One month I’d be flying first class, feeling on top of the world, and the next I was dodging financial disaster. I’ve had those moments where it felt like everything was going to fall apart, and I’m sure you have too.

Where I Am vs. Where I Thought I’d Be

I always thought I’d have it all figured out by now. When I closed my first insurance deal, I imagined a future where I’d be financially secure, running a thriving business, and living out my dreams. But instead, I found myself chasing one opportunity after another, never really finding the stability I was looking for.

But here’s the thing—I’m learning. I’m shifting my mindset, and I’m making changes. I may not be where I thought I’d be, but I’m on the journey, and that’s what matters.

Have you ever had to stop and reassess your journey? It’s hard, right? We have these expectations, and when life doesn’t go according to plan, it’s easy to feel like we’ve failed. But what if it’s just part of the process?

The GROWS Model: A Framework for Change

As I’ve worked to shift my mindset, I found that the GROWS model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will, and Support) has been a game-changer. Here’s how I’m using it:

• Goal: My goal is simple—financial stability. Not just chasing the next big deal, but building something sustainable that aligns with my bigger dreams.
• Reality: I had to face where I was, honestly. My finances didn’t reflect my professional success, and I was overextending myself.
• Options: I started exploring different ways to get my finances in order—budgeting, saving, and being more selective about the opportunities I pursue.
• Will: This is the hardest part—commitment. I’m determined to make these changes, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Support: The “S” in GROWS is for support systems. I’m surrounding myself with people who hold me accountable and using tools that help me track my habits, triggers, and financial health.

How do you keep yourself on track? Who holds you accountable? We all need support systems—whether it’s mentors, friends, or even apps that keep us on target.

Money and the Heart

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that money is as much a heart issue as it is a financial one. If our hearts are filled with fear, guilt, or even greed, it shows up in how we handle our finances. The things we feed our hearts eventually show up in our money habits.

I realized that if I didn’t guard my heart, if I let fear or stress take over, my financial decisions would follow suit. But when I found peace and contentment, my money habits became healthier.

Have you ever stopped to think about what’s driving your money decisions? Is it fear? Stress? Or is it peace and gratitude? It’s worth reflecting on because money flows where your heart is.

Shifting Perceptions: Building a Legacy, Not Just Wealth

In the end, how we handle money says so much about who we are. It’s not about building wealth for the sake of it, but about building something meaningful. I want to live a life where my financial decisions reflect my values—integrity, responsibility, and care for the people around me.

So, let me ask you: Are you building wealth, or are you building a legacy? There’s a big difference, and it’s worth considering.

Embracing the Journey

I’m still on the journey. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m getting there. I’m learning to balance my ambition with financial responsibility, to dream big while staying grounded. And I’m doing it all with a healthier mindset—one that’s focused on long-term success, not just short-term wins.

What about you? Where are you on your journey? It’s never too late to shift your mindset, to start building something that lasts.

The Call to Reflect

If anything in my story resonates with you, take a moment to reflect on your own money mindset. Are you overextending yourself, chasing the next deal, hoping it’ll fix everything? Or are you holding back, afraid to take risks? Wherever you are, there’s always room for growth.

Let’s commit to building a life that’s not just about financial success but about integrity, responsibility, and leaving something meaningful behind. After all, who we are always shows up in what we do—and how we handle money is one of the clearest reflections of that.

Are you ready to take that first step? Let’s embrace the journey together