The Dusty Old Suitcase That Changed Everything

Sep 17, 2025By Jaime Coaches

JC

In 1978, my dad bought a dusty old suitcase for $700. That’s basically thousands of dollars today. Most people thought he was crazy.

Inside were seven personal growth tapes and a tape recorder. Nothing flashy. Just tools and ideas that, at the time, the majority of people laughed at.

The man selling it told him, “If your life isn’t dramatically different in six months, I’ll give you your money back.”

Three months later, my dad launched his own business. That one decision—to invest in himself when everyone else thought it was a waste—changed the entire trajectory of not just his life, but our whole family’s.

And the best part? The man who sold him that suitcase ended up working for my dad not long after. Funny how life has a way of proving who’s really willing to bet on themselves.

That dusty old suitcase became the catalyst for a multimillion-dollar business, a whole new way of thinking, and a completely different life.

Fast forward to today—I’m now sitting with my dad as we write his book together. Decades later, the ripple effects of that one decision are still being felt.

Old vintage suitcases in a dusty attic

Your “Dusty Suitcase” Moment
 

Here’s the thing: most people pass up their “dusty suitcase” moment. They let fear, doubt, or the voices of others convince them it’s not worth it.

But the truth? Betting on yourself is always worth it.

When you invest in your growth, you’re not just buying information—you’re opening the door to transformation. My dad didn’t just get tapes in a suitcase; he got the belief, tools, and mindset that built an entirely new life.

And that’s the same thing I see with people who choose to work on themselves today. Whether it’s through books, courses, or coaching, the real magic happens when you decide to go all in on you.

So let me ask you this:

How many times have you passed up your own “dusty suitcase moment” because you didn’t believe in yourself enough to go for it?

And better yet, what could happen if this time, you said yes?

If you’re ready to find out, this is exactly the work I do as a coach. Together, we’ll break the patterns holding you back, rewire the beliefs that keep you stuck, and open the door to a life that feels expansive, aligned, and free.

LEARN MORE HERE!