If you’re feeling stuck—financially, professionally, or personally—this one’s for you. I sat down after an invigorating cold plunge to reflect on something I see daily: people choosing to stay stuck. If that sounds harsh, stay with me. My goal is to help you break free from the cycle of self-sabotage, rewire your mindset, and take charge of your future.

Are You Staying Stuck?

Let’s be honest. If you’re broke, miserable, and struggling to make ends meet, what do you have to lose? This was one of the most powerful realizations I had early on in my journey: “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” It’s the definition of insanity—doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

I see this every day when I talk to people trying to break into medical device sales or reps already in the industry but not thriving. Many have incredible potential, but their fear keeps them from taking action.

Here’s the truth: staying where you are—whether that’s in a low-paying job, a bad situation, or an unfulfilling career—is a choice. And often, the biggest hurdle isn’t external. It’s the voice in your head telling you to play it safe.

The Cost of Playing It Safe

One of the most common patterns I see is self-sabotage. People want change but won’t take the necessary steps to achieve it. Why? Because it’s easier to focus on the “what if it doesn’t work” than to embrace the possibility of success.

For example:

• Turning Down Opportunities: I’ve seen people reject interviews with top companies because they weren’t the “perfect fit,” missing the chance to gain leverage or experience.
• Avoiding Growth: Whether it’s skipping a networking event, failing to follow up on emails, or not preparing for the next big meeting, many people stay stuck because they avoid discomfort.

This mindset applies to breaking into medical device sales and succeeding in the industry. You don’t hit quota because you didn’t make the extra call. You don’t land the job because you didn’t prepare for the interview. The list goes on.

The Brain’s Role in Keeping You Stuck

Your brain isn’t wired to help you thrive—it’s wired to keep you alive. That means staying in your comfort zone, even if it’s miserable. At 23, I learned this the hard way. I recognized how often I sabotaged my own success. I’d skip opportunities to make extra money or put in the extra work because I didn’t believe I deserved more.

Here’s the kicker: Your brain will always find a way to keep you at the level you think you’re worth. If you believe you’re only worth $60,000, you’ll subconsciously avoid the actions that could help you earn $100,000 or more.

Break Free from Self-Sabotage

Breaking out of this cycle starts with rewiring your mindset:

1. Believe You’re Worth It: If you don’t believe you’re capable of making six figures, you won’t. Success starts with self-worth.
2. Invest in Yourself: This isn’t just about money—it’s about time, energy, and effort. Whether it’s joining a program, networking, or learning a new skill, you have to put skin in the game.
3. Focus on What Could Go Right: Most people get stuck thinking, “What if it doesn’t work?” Flip the script. What if it does?

I’ve seen people go from making $35,000 to $85,000 or more in a matter of months because they were willing to take a leap of faith and do the work. They didn’t let fear hold them back.

Why This Matters

I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve been broke, scared, and unsure of my next move. I’ve had $66 in my bank account and no idea how I was going to make it. What changed? My mindset. I stopped letting fear and self-doubt dictate my life. I started focusing on growth, taking action, and surrounding myself with people who inspired me.

Advice for Breaking Into Medical Device Sales

Whether you’re trying to break into the industry or succeed within it, here’s what you need to do:

• Take Ownership: Stop blaming external factors. Your success—or lack of it—is on you.
• Do the Work: Don’t just talk about it—be about it. Show up, follow through, and do what you said you would.
• Bet on Yourself: The only way to grow is to take risks. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about medical device sales—it’s about creating the life you deserve. Whether it’s finally breaking into the industry or taking your career to the next level, the choice is yours. You can stay stuck, or you can start taking steps toward change.

Want More Details?

For more stories and tips on breaking into medical device sales, check out our talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

Ready to break into Medical Device Sales? 

If you’re serious about breaking into Medical Device Sales, our course/mentorship is designed to help you break into the industry where our average person is breaking into Medical Device Sales in just 8.5 weeks at $105,502.

Click here to learn more and kickstart your journey to success.

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All the best,

Jacob McLaughlin

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