Podcast Summary: "The Cheat Code to Success: Believe in Yourself & Execute Daily"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Determined Society with Shawn French
• Host: Shawn French
• Episode: The Cheat Code to Success: Believe in Yourself & Execute Daily
• Release Date: April 18, 2025

Introduction

In the April 18, 2025 episode of The Determined Society with Shawn French, host Shawn French delves deep into the foundational elements of personal and professional success. The episode, titled "The Cheat Code to Success: Believe in Yourself & Execute Daily," features insightful conversations with two distinguished guests, L.J. Hunt and Julian Rivera, both integral members of Iron Valley in Norfolk, Virginia. Their journey from different professional backgrounds to thriving in the real estate industry serves as a compelling testament to the power of self-belief and disciplined execution.

Belief in Yourself: The Ultimate Cheat Code

Shawn French opens the episode with a powerful message about the importance of self-belief. At [00:43], he asserts:

"You need to dig down deep and ask yourself, do you truly believe in yourself? Because if you do not believe in yourself, it doesn't matter what I say on the air, you are going to be fucking stuck. And not just say it, but feel it in your soul. That is the cheat code."

This foundational belief sets the stage for the entire discussion, emphasizing that external advice and strategies are ineffective without internal conviction.

Internal Transformation for External Success

Louis Hunt complements Shawn's perspective by highlighting the necessity of internal change. At [07:02], Hunt emphasizes:

"You have to change internally. For any real external change to happen, there has to be a growth pattern."

Julian Rivera echoes this sentiment, stressing that mere consumption of motivational content like podcasts or books is insufficient. Instead, genuine internal transformation is paramount for tangible success.

Discipline and Daily Execution

A recurring theme throughout the episode is the significance of daily discipline. Shawn shares his personal routine, waking up early to work out, which he believes instills the necessary discipline to tackle the day's challenges effectively. At [08:45], he explains:

"Have the water, have the coffee, and then no matter how bad we feel at that moment right there, we just start moving our body."

Julian adds that this disciplined approach not only fosters personal growth but also positively impacts their professional endeavors.

Guest Journeys: Transitioning to Real Estate

Both guests, L.J. Hunt and Julian Rivera, share their transformative journeys into the real estate sector. Hunt recounts his shift from a two-decade-long career in hospitality to real estate during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key highlights include:

• Facing Adversity: Hunt discusses the immense challenges faced during the pandemic, leading him to reevaluate his career path.

• Taking the Leap: At [06:20], he mentions, "I drained my 401k, I quit my job, I took the test in November of 2020, didn't get technically licensed until January of 2021." This bold move underscores the episode's central theme of believing in oneself and taking decisive action.

Julian Rivera shares his parallel journey, transitioning from DJing to real estate. He emphasizes the importance of referrals and building trust in establishing a successful real estate career. At [27:40], Julian states:

"If the client wins, you win by default. I don't care what that win looks like."

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around overcoming fears and embracing change. Hunt reflects on the initial fears associated with leaving a stable career in hospitality but counters them with the necessity of self-investment and confidence. At [06:48], he shares:

"I didn't realize it, but investing in yourself just in general is something that we don't do."

The Power of Systems and Processes

Both guests highlight the crucial role of systems and processes in business success. Shawn discusses the evolution of his podcast, emphasizing how integrating robust systems can lead to exponential growth. He states at [37:21]:

"But we don't rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the levels of our system."

Julian elaborates on this by explaining how Iron Valley leverages systems to manage operations efficiently, ensuring consistent growth and scalability.

Serving People: Building Trust and Referrals

A cornerstone of their success lies in their commitment to serving people. Both guests agree that genuine care and service lead to meaningful relationships and, consequently, referrals. At [24:15], Johnny Rivera notes:

"The biggest compliment, in my opinion, is a referral. It's been like that since day one."

L.J. Hunt reinforces this by focusing on the number of families helped rather than mere sales volume, emphasizing the intrinsic satisfaction derived from assisting others.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

The discussion delves into the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Hunt underscores that intrinsic motivation drives sustained success, while extrinsic rewards alone are insufficient. At [17:42], Hunt mentions:

"Unless it builds up your intrinsic motivation, extrinsic doesn't matter."

Resilience and Determination

As the episode draws to a close, both guests share their personal definitions of determination. Julian describes it as:

"Grit. Never giving up, putting your best foot forward, not making excuses." [43:07]

L.J. adds:

"It's about moving forward, even when faced with setbacks. If you keep going forward, you're never going to fail because when you fail, you quit." [44:03]

Conclusions and Key Takeaways

The episode masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with actionable insights, reinforcing the episode's core message: Belief in oneself coupled with disciplined daily execution is the ultimate cheat code to success. Key takeaways include:

1. Self-Belief is Paramount: Without internal conviction, external strategies lose their efficacy.
2. Discipline Over Motivation: Consistent daily habits and disciplined actions trump fluctuating motivation levels.
3. Serve to Succeed: Genuine service and building trust lead to lasting success and valuable referrals.
4. Robust Systems Drive Growth: Efficient systems and processes are the backbone of scalable and sustainable businesses.
5. Resilience is Key: Determination and the ability to push forward despite setbacks define true success.

Notable Quotes

• Shawn French [00:43]:

  "You need to dig down deep and ask yourself, do you truly believe in yourself? Because if you do not believe in yourself, it doesn't matter what I say on the air, you are going to be fucking stuck. And not just say it, but feel it in your soul. That is the cheat code."

• L.J. Hunt [07:02]:

  "You have to change internally. For any real external change to happen, there has to be a growth pattern."

• Julian Rivera [27:40]:

  "If the client wins, you win by default. I don't care what that win looks like."

• L.J. Hunt [17:42]:

  "Unless it builds up your intrinsic motivation, extrinsic doesn't matter."

• Julian Rivera [43:07]:

  "Grit. Never giving up, putting your best foot forward, not making excuses."

• L.J. Hunt [44:03]:

  "It's about moving forward, even when faced with setbacks. If you keep going forward, you're never going to fail because when you fail, you quit."

Closing Thoughts

This episode of The Determined Society serves as an inspirational blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals seeking personal growth. By intertwining real-life experiences with profound insights, Shawn French, alongside his guests, underscores the indispensable role of self-belief and disciplined action in achieving lasting success. Whether you're venturing into a new career or striving to elevate your current endeavors, the lessons shared in this episode offer both motivation and practical strategies to navigate the path to success.