I want to talk to you today about something we’ve all faced at some point in our journey—feeling defeated. Jamie Kern Lima, in her powerful book Worthy, opens up about her struggles, her moments of feeling like she’d lost it all, and how she turned those moments into fuel for her ultimate success. When I listened to her tearful and heartfelt interview on The Ed Mylett Show, I saw so much of the journeys I see on a daily basis here at Dallas Preston Road. The moments where people doubt their worth, and think, “Is this even worth it?”—but I remind them...that those are the very moments that shape and fuel success; and I see it every day.
Jamie’s story is a reminder that perseverance in the face of defeat is not only possible, but it's also necessary for those of us who are called to lead, to serve, and to impact others. When Jamie said on Ed’s show, “Every no you get brings you one step closer to your yes,” I felt that deep in my soul. I live that truth every day, and I have a feeling you have too.
When You Feel Like You've Lost it All
There will be moments in your career, maybe even in your life right now, where you feel like you’ve lost it all. Jamie went through it. She faced countless rejections while building IT Cosmetics, and at one point, she had every reason to give up. But what did she do? She kept going. And it wasn’t about blind optimism—it was about believing in herself, in her mission, and in her worth.
Think about that. How many times have you been in a situation where you’ve faced rejection after rejection and thought, “I’m done”? But what if the very next step is the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for? That’s what I want you to hold onto—the truth that sometimes, when you think you’ve lost, you’re actually standing on the edge of your greatest victory.
Jamie’s story is a living example of that. She went from being rejected by every major retailer to eventually selling her company for $1.2 billion. She didn’t just succeed; she soared. And the beauty of it is that her success didn’t come because everything went perfectly—it came because she refused to give up when everything was falling apart.
Shifting Your Mindset
One of the things Jamie talks about, which I believe is critical, is how she shifted her mindset. When you’re in the trenches of rejection or failure, it’s easy to focus on everything that’s going wrong. But Jamie reminds us, just like Ed Mylett often says, that your mindset is everything. In her appearance on The Ed Mylett Show, she shared a powerful quote:
"It's Not About Being Worthy When You Win; It's About Knowing You're Worthy Even When You Lose."
This is where the real transformation happens—not in the moments of success, but in the moments of doubt. When you know your worth, even in the face of rejection or loss, you start to see every setback as part of your journey, not the end of it.
This is something I’ve lived in my own leadership journey, and it’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging others to shift their mindset. You are not defined by your failures; you’re defined by how you rise after them. Jamie teaches us that we’re all worthy—even in the darkest times, even when we feel like the world is against us. And I believe that deeply, not only for myself but for you, too.
From Defeat to Victory
I want you to think about the places in your life where you feel like you’re at the edge of defeat. It might be in your career, in your relationships, or maybe even in your own belief about what’s possible for your future. Now, imagine that this moment—right here, right now—is the turning point. The moment you decide that defeat is not your end, but the foundation for your greatest victory.
Jamie’s journey wasn’t about getting it right all the time; it was about staying in the game, even when it felt like the odds were stacked against her. She said something on her show that stuck with me: “The world tells us to play it safe, but our purpose calls us to be bold.” That’s the shift—from playing it safe to stepping into bold, courageous action, even when you’re afraid. Even when you’ve faced failure.
Take a Leap of Faith
Here’s why I’m so passionate about sharing Jamie’s story with you: I’ve seen firsthand how stories like hers can change lives. And there’s nothing more powerful than being in a room full of people who are committed to growth, who are ready to shift their mindsets, and who believe in their own worth, even when life tries to convince them otherwise.
I’ll be heading to Keller Williams’ Family Reunion in Las Vegas in February 2025 with my team, and I want to invite you to join me. We’ve got a powerful lineup, including the incredible Jamie Kern Lima herself. You’ve heard Jamie’s story (and if you haven't I encourage you to pick up Worthy in book form or on audible), and now you can experience the kind of inspiration and transformation that happens when you’re in the room with people like Jamie who are living out these principles of perseverance and mental toughness; and yes, finally feeling worthy!
This is your opportunity to take everything we’ve just talked about—perseverance in the face of defeat, knowing your worth, and turning failure into fuel—and put it into action. I'm only extending this invitation to special individuals, so let's have a conversation!
Family Reunion is where you’ll feel the culture, experience the mindset, and the inspiration to go from where you are to where you’re meant to be. I can't wait!
Final Thoughts
Jamie Kern Lima’s story is a reminder that defeat isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something greater if you’re willing to keep showing up. It’s not about getting it right every time; it’s about believing in yourself enough to keep going, even when everything seems stacked against you.
The next time you feel that fear creeping in, I want you to remember this: the bravest thing you can do is to keep showing up, even when you’re afraid. It’s in those moments of vulnerability that you grow the most, both as a leader and as a person.
So, I’ll leave you with this: Are you ready to dare greatly, to embrace the messy, beautiful journey of believing in your own worth, no matter what?
If you're interested in a conversation about joining our market center and joining us at Family Reunion, feel free to fill out our contact form on the home page. I can't wait to chat with you!
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