A reflection on discernment, ethics, and learning to trust yourself in business.
You’re going to be sold a dream — one that promises freedom, alignment, and six figures in six months. They’ll say all you need to do is “trust the process,” invest at the level you want to grow, and shed your limiting beliefs.
And if you’re ambitious, driven, and hopeful… you’ll believe them.
Because you want it to be true.
But here’s what I wish someone had told me:
You can’t shortcut your evolution.
No one can sell you clarity — they can only sell you frameworks.
And not every mentor who smiles on camera is operating from integrity.
The truth is, some of these programs prey on people just like you — those with savings, corporate discipline, and dreams of doing something meaningful. They use emotional triggers, polished branding, and psychological pressure to make you buy into their vision of success, not your own.
You’ll learn the hard way that “trust the process” can sometimes mean “ignore your intuition.”
And when you finally listen to yourself, you’ll realize you never needed saving — just space to build at your own pace.
If this happens to you, please don’t shame yourself.
You didn’t fail. You simply met the mirror that showed you where discernment begins.
That’s where true entrepreneurship starts — not with a high-ticket investment, but with a commitment to integrity.
To sell only what you’ve lived.
To guide others from honesty, not illusion.
To become the kind of leader you were looking for.
So take the lesson, not the bitterness.
And remember — even the best salespeople in the world, like Jordan Belfort himself, will tell you:
“Never sell anything unethically. It always catches up.”
Your intuition is your compliance policy.
Trust it.
– xoxo Coco ✨
If you’re in your season of building something real — here are a few books that helped me stay grounded in integrity, discernment, and conscious leadership.
1. Business / Integrity & Influence
- Way of the Wolf by Jordan Belfort – a practical guide to persuasive communication rooted in emotional intelligence and authenticity (not manipulation).
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek – teaches how leading with purpose builds trust, loyalty, and long-term success beyond profit.
- The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek – a mindset shift from quick wins to lasting impact, helping entrepreneurs play the “long game” in business.
- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – explores how vulnerability and courage in leadership create stronger, more ethical organizations.
2. Mindset / Self-Trust
- The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest – helps you turn emotional blocks into breakthroughs by understanding self-sabotage with compassion.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – shows how small, consistent actions create massive transformation without burnout or gimmicks.
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – a raw look at overcoming resistance and building the discipline to pursue your calling fearlessly.
3. Spiritual / Intuitive Success
- The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer – a guide to releasing control and finding peace by observing the mind instead of being ruled by it.
- Light Is the New Black by Rebecca Campbell – encourages intuitive entrepreneurship and trusting your inner guidance to lead your path.
- The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra – offers timeless principles for creating success through alignment, not force.
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