GradingJun 02, 2022
State of the Colored Stone Market: The Biggest Research Developments of the Past 5 YearsColumnistsJun 21, 2022
State of the Majors 2022: Reflections on Resilience
After suffering a professional setback, columnist Peter Smith reflects on our ability to bounce back even when the hits keep on coming.
Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, and sales trainer. He is the author of three books (“Hiring Squirrels,” “Sell Something” and “The Sales Minute”) and a columnist for National Jeweler. He can be reached at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com.
Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in the print edition of the 2022 State of the Majors. Click here to see the full issue.
“Everyone has a plan ‘til they get punched in the mouth.” So said Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion boxer and a man who administered a few such punches in his day.
I got punched in the mouth recently. I lost my job.
Well, to be more accurate, my position was “eliminated.”
The circumstances surrounding that decision are decidedly less interesting than my reaction to it; an exterior calmness, followed immediately by a deeply rooted sense of excitement at the adventures to come. Adventures unknown, to be sure, but adventures nonetheless.
I thought afterward about one of my favorite Truman Capote quotes, “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”
Except, by no reasonable standard, could my recent three-year stint be classified as a failure. I believe, in fact, my tenure at my former company might just be the best work of my entire career.
So, what was it that fed my optimism in the face of a job loss, an event often compared to death in the way it can psychologically derail people?
In “The Myths of Happiness,” Sonja Lyubomirsky wrote, “Recent research reveals that people who have experienced some adversity (for example, several negative events or life-changing moments) are ultimately happier (and less distressed, traumatized, stressed or impaired) than those who have experienced no adversity at all.
“Having a history of enduring several devastating moments toughens us up and makes us better prepared to manage later traumas, big and small.”
“Everyone has a plan ‘til they get punched in the mouth.” So said Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion boxer and a man who administered a few such punches in his day.
I got punched in the mouth recently. I lost my job.
Well, to be more accurate, my position was “eliminated.”
The circumstances surrounding that decision are decidedly less interesting than my reaction to it; an exterior calmness, followed immediately by a deeply rooted sense of excitement at the adventures to come. Adventures unknown, to be sure, but adventures nonetheless.
I thought afterward about one of my favorite Truman Capote quotes, “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”
Except, by no reasonable standard, could my recent three-year stint be classified as a failure. I believe, in fact, my tenure at my former company might just be the best work of my entire career.
So, what was it that fed my optimism in the face of a job loss, an event often compared to death in the way it can psychologically derail people?
In “The Myths of Happiness,” Sonja Lyubomirsky wrote, “Recent research reveals that people who have experienced some adversity (for example, several negative events or life-changing moments) are ultimately happier (and less distressed, traumatized, stressed or impaired) than those who have experienced no adversity at all.
“Having a history of enduring several devastating moments toughens us up and makes us better prepared to manage later traumas, big and small.”
“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”—Truman Capote
Perhaps, as Lyubomirsky implies, I’ve endured sufficient upheaval, personally and professionally, to have formed the necessary psychological calluses to carry me through a job loss?
Maybe it was something entirely different; a sense of a job very well done, a box ticked, an opportunity for personal reinvention?
Or perhaps it was a quiet confidence, knowing that I am primed and ready to make meaningful contributions elsewhere in our industry?
The newly found time could be a great opportunity to do some more store trainings based on my new book, “The Sales Minute,” or to speak to organizations about the hugely important job of hiring salespeople.
It also could be that I now have the opportunity to work with smaller brands and suppliers to help get them on track, or the luxury of working with interested retailers, who might appreciate my perspective and counsel.
Whatever the reason for my positive attitude and upbeat demeanor following my job loss, what is clear is that most of us have a remarkable capacity for resilience in the face of setbacks.
That resilience can reveal itself in the face of the biggest obstacles, such as losing someone close to us, having a major health scare, breaking up with a significant other, or losing a job.
As I write this, we are still in the throes of a global pandemic, Russia has commenced the invasion of its neighbor, Ukraine, the stock market is in freefall and inflation is at its highest level in 40 years. And yet, somehow, we will survive all this, pick ourselves up in the morning and get in the game.
We will tap the necessary reserves of resilience to tackle the demands of our day, minor and major, because of our capacity to keep on keeping on, even in the face of potentially devastating setbacks.
We’ll do it in our stores when the customer walks out without making a purchase, or when a vendor lets us down with a delivery that seemed important at the time.
We’ll do it at trade shows when people fail to show for their appointments, or when our outreach efforts are rebuffed, or ignored completely.
We’ll tap into that resilience when that perfect job applicant takes a position somewhere else, when our jeweler decides to move to another state, or when our best salesperson chooses to go work for someone else.
In “The Happiness Advantage,” Shawn Achor wrote, “Because thousands of years of evolution have made us so remarkably good at adapting to even the most extreme life circumstances, adversity never hits us quite as hard, or for quite as long, as we think it might.”
Resilience is not an antidote to disappointment or suffering. It doesn’t mean we won’t occasionally become derailed when we get punched in the mouth.
It does, however, give us the capacity to pick ourselves up off the canvas and get back in the fight.
Even when your job is eliminated.
More on Columnists
The Latest
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
