Why Setbacks Might Be Your Biggest Advantage (Trust Me On This One)

Hey there,

I’ve been sitting with something today, and I felt like it’s one of those moments I needed to share with you. It’s the kind of thought that sneaks up on you, especially after one of those weeks—the kind where the deals didn’t land, the emails went unanswered, or, you know, life just decided to throw a few curveballs. We’ve all been there, right?

But here’s where it gets real. One of my favorite songs has this line that hits differently every time I hear it:

"I’m a little bit hurt, but a lot more free."

That lyric sums up exactly what I've been mulling over. The truth is, setbacks? Rejections? All that tough stuff? Yeah, they sting. They leave a mark. But they also do something pretty amazing—they set you free.

Let me explain.

We get so wrapped up in trying to avoid pain, especially in sales. No one wants to hear “no” after pouring their heart into a pitch. No one signs up for back-to-back rejections. But when you think about it, every "no" is actually freeing you up for the right opportunity. Every deal that falls through is teaching you something, pushing you to refine your strategy and get sharper.

Sales is all about resilience. And life? It’s not so different.

So, here’s a little reflection exercise for you (and me too, honestly):

• What’s a tough moment you’ve had recently in sales that, now that you look back, actually taught you something valuable?

• How has a challenge—whether it’s a rejection or a missed deal—set you free to evolve and improve?

These are the things that push us forward, even if they don’t feel like it in the moment. Every time you get knocked down, you’re given a choice: stay there, or get back up with a little more grit, a little more knowledge, and a lot more clarity.

So next time something doesn’t go as planned, instead of asking “why me?” maybe ask, “what is this teaching me?” It’s a subtle shift, but man, does it make a difference.

Remember, we’re in this together. Every challenge is a chance to grow, even if it feels a little heavy at first. You’re a little bit hurt, sure—but you’re also a lot more free. Free to keep pushing forward, free to grow, and free to keep showing up.

Oh, and P.S.—I’m dropping the link to that song below that inspired this whole message. Give it a listen, and take a moment to think about where you’re at right now.

“A Lot More Free” - Max McNown

Let’s keep moving forward, one step at a time. 💪

Catch you soon,
Kayvon Kay

P.S. If you ever want to talk through some of those “why me” moments, you know where to find me. We’re in this together.