You’re OK

Hey, I know you’re feeling a bit stressed. The end of the year is closing in. That can cause some anxiety.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re ok. You’re doing fine.

You’re human. Life is hard work. You’re just normal if you feel it. The good and the bad.

Stop and take a look at everyone around you. They’re just like you. Sometimes struggling. Sometimes soaring.

Here’s the thing: every career in sales is full of these ups and downs. Highs and lows. It’s inescapable.

There will be deals you absolutely were sure you were going to win. And didn’t. There will be deals that you won against all odds; that defied logic.

You’ll work for good sales leaders that inspire you. And you’ll suffer through horrible sales bosses who can’t see past the end of their noses.

There’ll be fun customers. And customers from hell.

It will all be there. This journey will be exhilarating and stressful.

I love this quote from Paul Tillich that I tore out of an issue of Forbes magazine more than 20 years ago. It’s been on the refrigerator and on my desk ever since.

“The awareness of the ambiguity of one’s highest achievements – as well as one’s deepest failures – is a definite symptom of maturity.”

It’s a useful reminder that everything is transitory. The highs. The lows. The joy. The stress.

Whatever happens at work, in sales, is not a reflection of your worth as a human being, a partner, a spouse and parent. Quota doesn’t define you.

Try your best. Work hard. And, if you win that big deal, be humble and grateful for those who helped you. We’re never in this alone. Spread the credit around.

And if you lose that big deal, well, it sucks. But, there will be others. The sun will still rise tomorrow. And your kids will still love you.

Follow Andy on LinkedIn.