Hunter Walk has this excellent anecdote on missing out a finance round on a company, and using it as an opportunity to reframe his thinking so that his internal state is more moderate:

…I calm down by reflecting, “don’t take it personally,” and let it pass. But it sometimes, kinda, often, still lingers around the person for me.

But now I’m not even thinking about it personally. I’ve replaced that word for these situations with ‘professionally’ instead. And I am ok taking it professionally.

This is a tough pill to swallow for myself. Especially when you care about things deeply or have an overwhelming fear of missing out, it can really bite. So I appreciate Hunter’s reframing because it quiets that loud voice inside.

A side note: Sometimes professionalism can also be used as a masquerade for someone who is trying to manipulate instead. You want to be vigilant. Let your moral compass be a guiding light. Don’t fall to the level of another’s misbehavior (goes without saying, easier said than done, etc.).