One of the most challenging times in my life was right after being run out of a company that I’d dedicated my life to back in 2000.
I’d poured my heart and soul into something, at the expense of everything that truly mattered in life (unknowingly). I’d wake up early and be the first in the office, then leave late – over and over again….wearing this as a badge of honor.
I’d spend weeks every month on the road away from new wife, in our new home, in a new city, where she knew no one. Effectively abandoning her – while I poured myself into the business.
I wasn’t present for my young son. I’d miss the games, the practices, and the moments that you never get back. I did all of this, whispering into my own ear…the sales seduction of … “This is for my family. I’m doing it for them.” And I was rewarded.
I made millions of dollars and received all the promotions, the accolades, the adoration, etc. All of it from the age of 17-30.
But on March 14, 2000 (less than a month after my 30th birthday) that all changed. In a 30 second conversation, I walked away from my partners and a $1.8 Billion a year business that I had help to build from the ground up —- because i got my feelings hurt and got pissed.
“Fuck you guys! I’m outta here!“
I was still a young, immature, douche bag who had attained way too much success – and felt I was entitled. So I bounced.
With that being said, it took my 22 months to lose every dollar I had ever saved. 22 MONTHS!!!
I went from being on top of the world with millions of dollars to having less than $4,000 in the bank – in RECORD TIME!
I went from water front multi-million dollar mansion to a small dark apartment – in RECORD TIME!
I went from being able to get any industry leader on the phone to burning every relationship to the ground.
I went from being a “golden boy” to losing EVERYTHING. Business, marriage, friendships, business relationship, money – all gone.
I became depressed and suicidal.
I suffered from massive anxiety and thought my life was over.
Thank God this happened to me.
Yup – I said it. THANK GOD.
Now, I don’t mind telling you – I never thought I would say that while I was suffering emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I never thought I’d say THANK GOD, while I was going bankrupt and suffering from deep depression.
But in the end – THANK GOD.
This all turned out to be the biggest blessing in my life.
I eventually found my footing:
- I found my new business passion – real estate, software, and helping entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.
- I found my wife.
- I found my family.
- I created better relationships and friendships.
- I created a better business and future.
I become a more WHOLE person, not someone just focused on money. - I become a better leader having gone through battles.
- I became a more present father and husband.
- I became charitable and compassionate.
- I became unstoppable because I knew I could survive anything.
- I took responsibility for my life and making things happen.
- I became the hero of my own life.
- I leaned into adversity.
I took control of my outcome.
… and so much more.
Ironically, everything in my life became better. I am the leader that I am today because of this moment.
So yes, Thank God.
It’s really hard to appreciate the light – without the dark. I know someone out there is probably going through some dark times right now – just know – one day, you’ll be grateful for what this experience is teaching you about yourself.
One day you’ll be very proud of the TOUGH TIMES that will have created the TOUGH PERSON.
Stay focused on getting there.
