Don’t Take It Personally

I was advising a team member earlier this week. My advice? Don’t take it personally.

For most of my career, I took it personally.

Only in the past few years did I realize that other people’s actions towards me were a by-product of how they were feeling, not my performance or value add.

Of course, sometimes we fall short and should be called out.

But at the end of the day, it’s just business. Don’t take that negotiation home with you. Don’t take that bad boss on your vacation with you. Don’t take the irate customer to Sunday brunch.

Live your life, and remember that only you can make yourself happy.