Rising From Rock Bottom to Purpose Driven Success with Michael Coxen

A Story of Burnout, Resilience, and Rediscovering What Truly Matters

Business success often looks glamorous from the outside.

High production numbers, impressive deals, and the constant pursuit of growth can make it seem like winning never stops.

But behind many entrepreneurial journeys lies a quieter story of pressure, exhaustion, and personal sacrifice.

In this powerful episode of The REI Agent Podcast, Michael Coxen shares a deeply personal journey that moves far beyond real estate transactions.

As a Las Vegas broker, entrepreneur, and coach, Coxen has built an impressive career.

Yet his story reveals how the relentless drive for achievement can eventually collide with the limits of the human body and mind.

Through hardship, recovery, and reflection, Coxen discovered a new definition of success that blends professional growth with personal well-being.

The Early Curiosity That Sparked an Entrepreneurial Path

Michael Coxen’s fascination with real estate began long before he had the resources to invest.

As a young student, he gravitated toward personal finance and investing books that challenged traditional thinking about money and work.

One book in particular planted an early seed.

“Rich Dad Poor Dad changed how I looked at money and opportunity.”

Growing up around entrepreneurial influences reinforced the idea that creating something independently was possible.

That mindset eventually led him and his wife to Las Vegas, where they launched a graphic design studio specializing in luxury wedding invitations.

Like many entrepreneurial ventures, their business began at home with long hours, limited resources, and a willingness to experiment.

The First Property That Changed Everything

When Coxen and his wife moved to Las Vegas, the housing market was still recovering from the financial crisis.

Prices were low, opportunity was everywhere, and their first property purchase became the foundation of a much larger journey.

They renovated the home slowly while living inside it, using creative financing and determination to complete the project.

“If you need a roof over your head, you might as well turn it into an investment.”

This strategy not only provided a place to live but also introduced Coxen to the stronger possibilities of real estate investing.

Mentorship That Accelerated His Growth

Entering the real estate industry proved challenging at first. Like many new agents, Coxen experimented with nearly every lead generation strategy available.

Open houses, online leads, networking, and expired listings all played a role.

But the true turning point came when he sought mentorship.

Joining a real estate team allowed him to learn directly from an experienced professional while gaining real-world exposure to deals and negotiations.

“I would rather have half of something than all of nothing.”

Through that partnership, Coxen developed a system for building long-term relationships with clients, eventually becoming a top-producing agent and later a brokerage owner.

Building a Business Through Relationships

One of Coxen’s strongest beliefs is that real estate success should be built on relationships rather than constant lead chasing.

He maintains regular contact with past clients through newsletters, personal messages, events, and genuine conversations. Instead of treating transactions as one-time interactions, he views each connection as a long-term relationship.

“Every relationship is a lifetime relationship.”

This approach turns past clients into advocates, referrals into opportunities, and a stressful business into a sustainable one.

When Ambition Pushes the Body Too Far

Despite his professional progress, Coxen eventually faced a devastating personal crisis.

Years of constant work, financial pressure, and relentless drive took a severe toll on his health. He developed ulcerative colitis, a painful autoimmune condition that left him physically depleted and dangerously underweight.

At his lowest point he could barely climb stairs while working with clients.

“I remember standing at the bottom of the stairs during a showing because I simply didn’t have the strength to go up.”

Another moment brought the full reality of his condition into focus when he collapsed while trying to stand up from a chair at a family event.

The body had finally forced him to stop.

Rebuilding Health One Step at a Time

Recovery required more than medical treatment. It demanded a complete shift in how Coxen approached life.

Alongside traditional medical care, he began exploring meditation, mindfulness, nutrition, and positive mental conditioning. Journaling, affirmations, and gratitude practices became daily habits.

One concept profoundly influenced his mindset.

“What we tell ourselves every day shapes who we become.”

Gradually, he rebuilt his physical strength through Tai Chi, yoga, cycling, and strength training. Each small improvement created momentum, forming a powerful cycle of progress.

Learning to Manage Stress in Business

As Coxen returned to professional life, his approach to business changed dramatically. Instead of absorbing every emotional challenge from clients or deals, he learned to maintain perspective and boundaries.

Preparation and professionalism became the foundation of his client relationships.

“I make suggestions. My clients make the decisions.”

This shift allowed him to guide clients confidently while avoiding the emotional exhaustion that once defined his career.

Breaking Free From the Addiction to Hustle

During the conversation, Coxen raises an idea that resonates with many entrepreneurs.

Success itself can become addictive.

The excitement of closing deals, earning commissions, and chasing new opportunities can create a cycle that feels impossible to slow down.

“For many agents, real estate becomes a drug.”

Recognizing this pattern helped Coxen redefine what he truly wanted from life and business.

Structuring Life Around What Matters Most

One practical tool Coxen now relies on is calendar blocking. Instead of scheduling only business activities, he intentionally protects time for family, exercise, hobbies, and recovery.

His calendar reflects the priorities he wants to live by.

“Your calendar reveals what you truly value.”

By scheduling health and personal time as carefully as business appointments, he maintains balance while continuing to grow professionally.

A Book That Redefines the Meaning of Wealth

Toward the end of the conversation, Coxen shares a book recommendation that has significantly shaped his perspective.

Die With Zero by Bill Perkins challenges readers to rethink the traditional approach to wealth accumulation. Rather than saving endlessly for the future, the book encourages people to invest in meaningful experiences throughout life.

“Die with zero regrets, not just zero dollars.”

For Coxen, the message reinforces the importance of enjoying the journey rather than postponing life indefinitely.

A Powerful Reminder for Every Entrepreneur

Michael Coxen’s story is a reminder that success should enhance life rather than consume it.

Business achievements are meaningful, but they should never come at the expense of health, relationships, or personal happiness.

“Health is wealth. Without it, nothing else matters.”

His journey from burnout to renewal offers a powerful lesson for agents, investors, and entrepreneurs everywhere.

By combining ambition with self-awareness, discipline with balance, and growth with gratitude, it becomes possible to build not just a thriving career but a fulfilling life.