OfflineDearest DG Family,
HI!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, I am so totally overwhelmed! I want to take this moment to say THANK YOU to EVERYONE who voted for me. I was truly surprised! And, I realize YOU believe in me more than *I* do!
You see, all the contestants found out about being a finalist in the contest about 2 weeks after I posted the Essay Contest (a separate contest run exclusively by the DG family here on the website), and I know I speak for so many of the contestants that it was a REALLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYY long wait! 
The second I found out I had become a finalist, my family was so surprised. They'd originally told me I was wasting my time working on that 'dumb' video and I'd NEVER win. So, I want YOU to take from that, that just because someone; ANYONE in your life tells you you won't, can't, never, impossible BS... AD NASEUM ***D O N ' T L I S T E N TO T H E M F O R A N Y R E A S O N!!!!***
The second I found out I was a finalist, I told myself 'I'm GOING TO WIN this contest'. I didn't really believe it, but I wrote it down anyway, posted it right where I do the majority of my computer work, and was forced to look at it everyday and read it at least 20 times a day. 'I WILL WIN THE DEAN GRAZIOSI SEND ME AWAY CONTEST'. Lesson from this one is this. Write down your goals, put them where you can see them often, repeat daily, and start to SEE and ENVISION yourself accomplishing that goal. Set dates of when you will accomplish them and LEARN to believe it!!!
Even though I did the above, I still knew my competition was fierce! I mean, come on, KEITH (keb64)... What an AMAZING story you have! And TOM AND JERI, absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!! Blake, wow, how truly incredible it is to see real deals like this! And JAMES AND SHELIA BUNCH... my gosh, $10K CASHFLOW a month, what a motivational story! I am so proud of you guys! And Hiram, my gosh, I loved the wonderful view and all the efforts of your work, and how REAL and down to earth your video is! LIFE gets in the way all the time. And Regan, amazing success. ALL of you were deserving of the win, I am so grateful to be in the company of winners like you ALL are!
I am STILL soaking this in. Even though I wrote down that I would win, I struggle, still with confidence, and I didn't believe it was possible. Dean shared at the very beginning of the EDGE the number ONE thing to protect is your CONFIDENCE. I put forth confidence, but I have those GAPS of self doubt and being so harsh on myself. I have negativity surrounding me constantly. We treat ourselves worse and are more critical of ourselves than anyone else.
But, I did what was UNCOMFORTABLE to me, and through my whole journey, I've been investing in ME and working on ME and resurfacing the me that has been buried for so many years. I can't go into too much detail here as this post is already getting HUGE but, I've been repeating to myself all these negative things I've told myself about ME and the negative other people have been saying about me for so long now, that I have within me a constant battle going on within me to claim my confidence and destroy it. RG Williams was a speaker this Edge event, and he said this. 'YOU NEED TO ESCAPE THE PRISON OF YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES'
I have slowly been working on doing this, but (and this is what I tried to say while I broke out in tears at the microphone) but, this reality that hit me this weekend, that I don't really believe in myself or have as much confidence as I should have. You have no idea what winning this contest means to me, I am really, truly FOREVER grateful to EVERYONE here at this site that has made this a reality for me. THANK YOU SO MUCH...
and DEAN.. you are the most WONDERFUL, unselfish person alive. You give SO much of yourself and you are out there CHANGING LIVES phenomenally. Having this contest is just so mind blowing (I can't even TYPE without crying... STILLL!!!!). I am still pinching myself saying 'am I dreaming?'... but this weekend... I TRULY ESCAPED THE PRISON OF MY OWN EXPERIENCES... and I will NEVER go back.
Its forward from here on out. In the back of my heart I had that silent confidence, but its been cloaked and shielded by a tall exterior wall barricading it from realizing who I really am. That wall has been CRUMBLED, and I thank you and your team SO MUCH. Over the past 2 years, I've become better and better at blocking the things that stop me, and removing the obstacles, but its all been about mindset.
I've read so many motivational books, but YOU DEAN are the one whose blogs I have EVERY week, and DG FAMILY, you are the ones I've relied on through all my struggles when I had no where else to go. THANK YOU!!!
Dean, you have taught me to snicker on the inside. I am so grateful, and I love you and all your team! (Especially you Mike and Tony and Megan, wow, you guys are all so wonderful!!!) And to follow in the footsteps of MATT LARSON and CAROL STINSON, WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!
PS: Should I share what I did with the book, or should I wait to tell that story some other time?
I don't know you either but I feel like I do because you are so down to earth and personable in your posts. You are, like everyone above stated, always helping others and thinking of yourself last. STOP DOING THAT girlfriend!!! You deserve this and I wish you all the best now that your confidence has EMERGED!! If you keep doing what you're doing, you can't lose at anything!! Congrats!!
Shirley
Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.
You have not lived a perfect day, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you. Ruth Smeltzer
It is what it is 'til you change it.
Never stop reaching for the stars, no matter how out of reach they may seem! Appreciate your vote!
What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the mind of man can achieve! (~Napoleon Hill)
I knew you would win,i always vote for winners,and when i seen your video i knew that you were the one that would be on top. You did have some tough competition though,everyone else is just as much a winner as you are too.
You help make us all winners in our own way and i look forward to reading more of your posts and seeing how much farther you can go.
The Universe is a big place and like you i am reaching for the stars as well!!
Keep up the good work in RE and with your self.
Congratulations, You are an inspiration to us all. Your story is making my dream happen. Thank You. You deserved it.
Danny
Danny Frye
http://realkilleen.usapropertywholesale.com/
I have MANY things to learn yet, and there's only one way for me to go!
For all of the success you've had so far I believe that you are only at the beginning of bigger and brighter things.
You don't need to fake it til you make it anymore because you've made it!
Congrats Tammy, WTG!!!
Tammy,
I loved how you didn't try to hide your emotions at the EDGE and were very obviously surprised.
You are another true inspiration from the DG Family!!! Girl, you rock
Congratulations! And hang on to that 'inside snicker'! (I loved that one!)
congratulations tammy im very happy for you......
so tammy what did your family and naysayers say after you won anything ???
Way to go.Congrats on your win!Life can only get better from here.Don't let anyone including yourself keep you down.You are going far.Your story was heart warming.I have been following your posts on this site and so glad you won.I want to be one of those videos next year and win.I am stumbling right now, but I know I can do it with the help of Dean's books and the great people here at the DG family.Look for me next year!
Jo Ann
www.willowstreaminvestments.com
www.cashforyourhousemdtowns.com
www.kingswholesalepropertiesmdtowns.com
Hi Tammy and congradulations, I believe in you and all ways will and I believe in me as well and we need to complete some deals together.You know when we step out of our comfort zone thats when we really excel and it truely is a wonderful feeling and we keep growing and growing.One of these days I hope to join Dean as well and work with him as a partner.I have spread my wings as you have and the view will keep getting better and better
as we climb up,up and away we go.Iam wish you the very best and cant wait to complete some deals with you.You had faith in so lets get them done, wishing you much success, always, Jim
jbischoff
First, Andrea, your presentation was excellent! Loved it! I couldn't do anything without partners and your wisdom is so invaluable! Thank you!
I can't wait to hear about your mentoring experience and history of deals with Deal. Enjoy the moment and journey. All the best.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
what can i say? i think everyone else has said it well enough. so happy for you. i also would love to hear what your family had to say after you won. what did you do with the book? all the best to you!
Linda, Army EOD Mom
you can follow my journal at http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/45351/...
IT'S ALL GOOD AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING OUT PERFECTLY FOR ME!
Fear equals:
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
It was wonderful to meet you too! Putting faces to those we talk to here on the site is so incredible! Another great thing about the EDGE event!
Conquer it and remember when it gets tough and the naysayers are strongest, turn your focus to what you've accomplished. Read through your journal, and see what you've already overcome. And for anyone that isn't journaling their journey, I highly recommend it because not only are you keeping yourself accountable, but you can go back and look at it and see just what you came from and moved to. Can't wait to read or see your successes! Make it happen! 
Kim and Deb
As an EDGE attendee this year, Dean gave us all a copy of his 30 days to RE Cash book. I'm so grateful because it was the only book of his I didn't have. So, on Saturday, we all got a copy and of course Dean signs books at the EDGE, and this year they put a sticky note in the book.
We were told to write on that sticky note what we wanted Dean to write.............you see where I'm going with this don't you?
Anyhow, I did JUST that, and wrote EXACTLY what I wanted Dean to write in my book.
Hey, the contestants had to wait and wait and wait and wait and then he had to tease us with 'Do you want to know who won'? in a succeeding blog......, so I'm one for having a little bit of fun and took the opportunity to put 'You won the contest' on my sticky note.
After all, that IS what I WANTED Dean to write.... *dumb look*
When it was my turn, I said hello to Dean and he proceeded to open the book, but he didn't look at my note, darn it! So I told him to make sure to look at my note because I had followed the instructions and put JUST what I wanted him to write in my book.
Mind, this was BEFORE the winner was announced.
I had Karen capture the picture of the smile on Dean's face. (I'm adding it to the first page with the other pics) For some reason he couldn't look at me fully.
I got the whole shpeel about how it was close until the very end when a surge of votes came in to lean it in one direction, but he couldn't tell me the outcome. (Of course, I didn't expect anything but that response). But it was my little way of having a little fun with Dean. 
And I just COULDN'T resist! I know, I'm a little stinker. Dean will learn of my sense of humor and hopefully come to appreciate it or kick my butt for it. 
I know so many people, especially females, have that self doubt built into them because the society puts so much in our face about what we are 'SUPPOSED' to be and look, ad naseum. But remember through it all, that the times you are feeling the self doubt, go and put a band on your wrist and SNAP yourself with it, and then go and write 5 great things about you and who you are. I don't know if you saw, but on my wrist are my 'hair' bands, but they have a double use. Of course 1 is to put my really long hair up in a ponytail when it gets in the way or is too hot, but the 2nd is for 'snapping' myself out of negative thoughts. KEEP it up and you too WILL break free from the prison of your own experiences!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it! Hug your baby for me!
I am so glad you won the contest and honored to have met you at the EDGE event. Looking forward to continuing our journeys in REI and continuing to break out of the prisons we make for ourselves.
Onward and upward.
Hey Tammy,
We are all very HAPPY for you, run with it we know you will!
Congrats,
Denver
"Do, or do not. There is no 'try'"
------Yoda
Think, say and do what is right; refuse to think, say or do what is wrong.
Man miss a day and you could miss something around here. Now you will have Dean himself to help you out. What an awesome win, and I agree with Valerie, Go Team Girls!!
www.tw4homes.com website
https://tvallc.isrefer.com/go/RehabLite/reigirl/ FREE SOFTWARE FOR WHOLESALERS, REHABBERS AND AGENTS! Present professional looking deals to buyers and lenders as well as run your numbers and get the ROI.
Well, when I first told him, I texted it to him immediately, he said congratulations via text. I talked to him on the phone and said not much of anything. Since I've gotten home, he has turned the focus to EVERYTHING negative that is going on and has not mentioned winning the contest once. He's been aloof to anything and said Dean will never fund my current deal. So, it hasn't changed anything on the homefront, but I will not allow the negativity to put me back in the prison again.
Thank you so much! I can tell you that ANYONE can do this because I am a mom to 4 (homeschooled for 2 years of my journey), and sacrificed time and made it HAPPEN. Please read my journals, the link is in my signature, and the link to my first starting out journal (restarted a new one because its like 29 pages!) is on the beginning of the new journal.
But, there are SO many GREAT journals here that you will learn SO much from them! You have to check out Jen Gray's jounal (bamagirl)! Best to you
It is CERTAIN we will SUCCEED!!!
Maria
Can't wait to hear about your experience. Please provide as you proceed. Will love to follow your progress. God Bless.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Despite the naysayers you continue to make it happen. Beat back negativity with each successful step. We believe in you. You can do it.
Joe
Think less, Do more, Get results. - Dean Graziosi
http://www.rcmfunding.com
http://www.StopForeclosureOptions.org
http://www.RichardsCapitalManagement.com
It was so great to meet you! I will NEVER look back. I'm preparing my property information for the deal to do with Dean!
Looking forward to making a couple HUNDRED THOUSAND on that one! YIPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
PS, thank you so much for noticing the pic change. I was a little bit thinner this year than last, so was glad to have another pic with Dean
Next year I'll have ALL ALL this extra weight gone! I've declared it publicly now, so I HAVE to achieve the goal!
With much admiration and thanks,
Tina
It was awesome meeting you Kieth! I hope we get to a deal in the future together! I also was so happy I was able to bring Karen, and am so thankful to my husband for watching the kids for 4 whole days (I think he was in shock!)
so I could take Karen and give her the EDGE experience of a lifetime for her. If you would have won, I couldn't have accepted you giving it to me, because I wouldn't have felt I did it on my own, but that is such a sweet gesture and mindset. Thank you Keith, you are class A all the way!
Jimmy, You absolutely right. I LOVE helping people and to see them become new people. When I first was searching for an intern, I thought I was getting help for myself. But, it turns out its been an AMAZING transformation seeing Karen do a complete 180 on her outlook on things and I absolutely love helping people. We spent the first 3 months AT LEAST on mindset and preparing for becoming an investor. Its been so awesome seeing the transformation in her! I get SO much JOY from helping others!
It was also so great to meet Courtney, Chad and Donna who won the essay contest and see the excitement within them! [They won the essay contest put on by the DG family here (see more info here: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/deans-gain-edge-event/100...) I want so much to be able to continue this contest next year!
Jimmy
You are such an awesome person and I am SO inspired by you and the actions you've taken!! I'm so happy I had a role to play in hooking you up with 3 of your Cleveland properties! Glory be to GOD to have made it this far! Yes, fearfully and wonderfully made, and NO amount of NEGATIVITY is EVER going to bring me down AGAIN!!!!!! I fail and get up again repeatedly, that's why I succeed! I posted what I did with the book
Yes - I want to hear the what you did with the book!!
Much love to you
Tammy ... Yes, I was one of those wondering .. I will not forget the conversation we had last Saturday night before the announcement of the winner. I just really had a strong feeling about it and I knew and sensed that you will win. I prayed for you that night, too.
I've always believed that if we do our part, God will bless our efforts, and you have been blessed! Just do what you do best, take pride in what you have accomplished, be the best Wife, the best Mom, the best Investor, the best Child of God that you can be. Maybe you can just ask him also if he can at least try to be happy for you, because it is a GREAT accomplishment to be in the 7 Finalists, and then to be VOTED as a winner, is something else. And you are his wife! I hope that he can also be supportive of your efforts so that it will not feel like going against the tide. But be that as it may, you are a strong woman, and a positive person, hopefully, he can appreciate that someday soon! Good luck on your deals with Dean! 
It was GREAT meeting you! 
Cris
This thought came to my mind and I wanted to share it with my DG family
I've been told I couldn't do A LOT of things, that I have since proven that I COULD, and I think it puts a motivation in me that drives my desire and determination to inordinate levels. 
I'm so competitive and LOVE a challenge, so if someone tells me I CAN'T I go ALL OUT to prove, OH YES, I CANNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!! I FIND a way to do it and it can't truly be put into words how WONDERFUL it feels to accomplish something I was told would never happen, could never happened, was IMPOSSIBLE.
I think when I hear the words CAN'T, NEVER, WON'T... my mind hearss I'll PROVE I CAN, it will be SOON, and I WILL!!!
I've been tracking our results and you are doing some INCREDIBLE things in REI! Enter and tell yourself everyday, 20 times a day you are going to win it... and you WILL!!!
It truly is an eye opening experience for me! Thank you!
Wow is all I can say, This has to be one of the most amazing expiriences in your life. From here on now you are going to become the next rock star. You are truly a champ and a motivator. I missed this year edge event and I never want to miss another one from now on. I missed the opportunity to meet you and pick your brain a little bit lol. I also sent in my success video and my goal is to win it for next year so that I can be part of that amazing group. Keep up the great work and I can't wait to hear about your next deal
Tom and Jeri, as we sat there on stage and it was either you guys or me, I thought FOR SURE it had to be you guys! Hubby is still not on board, but it will take time. IN the meantime, I'm coming up with more shields to keep the negativity from taking hold of any part of my life. Would love to do some deals together!
Tom