The Client Letter
August 17, 2012
Sedona, Arizona
Partly Cloudy 68 Degrees
Think back to the last time a client said something to you like, “You rock!”
Doesn’t that feel great? Doesn’t it make you feel like you’re finally making some progress?
I used to revel in that feeling when it happened.
That’s until I realized it was a major clue that I had some growing to do on the inside.
Receiving praise and accolades is cool, but I make a point to not let it create a strong emotional reaction in me.
You know why?
Because if I allow myself to get into that habit, there’s a good chance the same thing is going to happen on those days where the client says something like, “You suck.”
It’s not a question of pleasing them or not, it’s a question of who is in control of your life. You, or your emotions.
It’s a slippery slope to grant your clients the ability to control how you feel about life.
And that’s what happens when you get into the habit of these big emotional reactions to praise or criticism.
This is a terrible way to live. Because it’s like being led around by the nose on an endless journey to nowhere.
Over the next days and weeks, become aware of your emotions. Pay attention to what they are doing in different client situations.
Pay attention to what you are doing or not doing because of those emotions.
There’s nothing wrong with doing great work, there’s nothing wrong with making mistakes. Just don’t let either control your ability to enjoy your life.