Michael Fox Coaching Free Community

I’ll never forget the meeting that almost ruined my week.

It was with a long-time client, someone I thought I had built a strong relationship with. But as the meeting went on, their tone became sharp, their questions relentless, and their feedback—well, let’s just say it was less than kind.

As I walked out of the office, I felt the weight of their words pressing down on me. I replayed the conversation in my mind, dissecting every criticism and wondering, What did I do wrong?

By the time I got to my car, I was already dreading the rest of the week. But then, I remembered a quote I had read recently:

“The only path by which another person can upset you is through your own thoughts.”

I paused, sitting there in the parking lot, and asked myself a tough question:

Was it their words that upset me, or was it how I chose to interpret them?

The truth hit me hard. Their criticism wasn’t about me—it was about their own challenges, frustrations, and expectations. I had taken their words personally and allowed them to shape my mood and my confidence.

Right there, I made a decision: I wouldn’t give anyone else the power to control how I felt about myself.

I took a deep breath, reframed the situation, and chose to see their feedback as an opportunity to grow rather than a personal attack. Instead of letting their words ruin my day, I used them to fuel my drive to improve.

That moment changed everything for me—not just in sales, but in life.

If you’ve ever let someone’s words linger in your mind, remember this: You are the gatekeeper of your thoughts. What you allow in will shape your day, your confidence, and ultimately, your success.

So, the next time someone tries to bring you down, ask yourself: Am I upset because of them, or because of how I’ve chosen to think about it?

Take back control—it’s yours to own.