Pay Close Attention to Those Who Don’t Clap When You Win
Years ago, I came across a quote that floored me: “Pay close attention to those who don’t clap when you win.” Life has a way of teaching you lessons — sometimes by punching you right in the gut.
I’ve had seasons of wild wins. 9 promotions. President’s Club X8. Landing massive deals. Speaking on stages. Writing books. Training in 11 countries and appearing on hundreds of podcast episodes.
But I’ve also had devastating lows — being laid off, battling depression, facing family tragedy, and walking through fire just to stay afloat.
And here’s what I’ve learned in the process:
Your circle changes.
Not everyone who calls themselves a friend is one.
Not everyone in the audience is clapping for you.
Not everyone sticks around when you fall.
And even fewer stay when you rise.
What stuns me — even now — is how people I once thought were close vanished. Some disappeared when I was at my lowest. Others ghosted when I was winning.
Some were full of advice when I lost — almost giddy to tell me what I should’ve done differently — but nowhere to be found when I soared.
And truth be told? That stung.
I’ve walked into back-to-back calls after soul-crushing news and had to show up with charisma and clarity. I’ve had to put on the smile, put on the suit, and play the part — even when I felt like I was unraveling behind the curtain.
Broken, weary, questioning whether I could keep going — but I did. I had to. Because the show must go on.
As I’ve gotten older, my standards have shifted.
I fully gravitate toward those who make me better.
Those who have been through the fire and lived to tell about it.
Those who believe in me, not just when I’m the underdog, but when I’m the champion.
And to be clear — there aren’t many. But the ones who remain? They’re gold.
I cherish the mentors who challenge me, the peers who walk beside me, and the quiet believers who have cheered me on in the dark. They’re the ones who remind me of my worth when I forget it. They’re the ones who clap whether I’m up or down.
People will come and go. Some will love you when you’re struggling because it makes them feel superior. Others will love you when you’re winning because they want something from you.
Few will love you regardless.
Hold tight to those few.
The rest? Let them go.
Because the show must go on. And you, my friend, are the headliner.
#LeadershipLessons #SalesLife #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #KnowYourCircle #MentalToughness #TheShowMustGoOn #TrustTheJourney #AuthenticConnections
