There are somethings in life you just need to say no to.

I sell hotels and over the years, I have had buyers and sellers offer me everything from money under the table to free cars if I would help them get a deal. I am proud to say that I have not only never taken the bait, but that I have never even been tempted to.

Even in my darkest financial (restaurants back in the 90’s) time, I never even considered it. Doing these type things cost you your credibility, your opportunity and in some situations, your freedom. There is a person that I knew well years ago who chose to take side deals, kick backs and money under the table. Today that same person is serving a prison sentence and has lost everything he had and once believed in.

Why am I telling you this? I was on a call today with some investors that offered me this exact thing. I shut it down so quick they couldn’t believe a broker didn’t want to earn some extra money. Ha. Here is the thing. In life, whatever you compromise to keep, you always seem to lose. I believe that once you step over certain lines you never really get it back. When I retire, which is probably sooner than later, I want to know that I did it right and that I did it honestly.

There are certain things in your life that you just must do before you can truly enjoy the rest of your life. I believe knowing in your heart that you were honest, is one of those things. Oh, sure there are some scoundrels that never get caught and live to an old age but the real question no one will ever know is, did they really have peace and joy.

My friend and mentor Harmon Born passed away a couple of weeks ago and he always told me that the key to restful sleep, peace and joy is to do what is right even if no one is watching. I think those are pretty good words to life by. KT