The Sales Stoic

Actionable tips:

• Before each quarter or project, outline your main objectives. Use them to guide your decisions so you don’t get lost in conflicting goals.
• When you feel pulled in different directions, take a moment to reassess if the opportunity aligns with your bigger goals.

“Circumstances mislead us—you have to see through them. We chase what's harmful before we seek what's good. We crave today what we rejected yesterday.” - Seneca

Salespeople face the challenge of closing deals fast vs. building lasting trust.

The key? Stay true to your goals but flexible in your approach.

Our desires often contradict each other. One moment, we chase quick wins; the next, we focus on long-term growth.

Life and sales pull us in different directions, making it easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

If one path isn't working, adjust. Your goal isn’t out of reach, but your method might need a rethink.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

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Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

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Actionable tips:

• Identify common distractions, such as  the people, habits, or situations that tend to drain your focus. Set boundaries to limit their impact.
• At the start or end of each day, reflect on what’s taking up mental space. Ask yourself, “Is this helping or hurting my goals?”

“Conflict, chaos, fear, detachment, and compliance—these forces undermine your core values every day, whenever you let them take hold of your mind without questioning them.” - Marcus Aurelius

Sales is full of distractions: missed targets, tough clients, office drama. If you’re not careful, these things will drain your energy and derail your focus.

So, what should you do? Block them out. Stay present. Move forward.

Like a Jedi, train your mind to resist the dark side

Negativity, fear, drama, passivity, can creep in and cloud your judgment if you're not careful.

But remember, these forces only take hold if we let them.

Guard your focus, and you'll perform at your best, even when the going gets tough.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

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Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

Actionable tips:

• Reframe your setbacks. After a challenging call, focus on what you learned and how it brings you closer to your goals rather than dwelling on the loss.
• Spend a few minutes each day visualising a successful call or meeting to keep your mindset focused on positive outcomes.

“Your mindset is shaped by what you consistently focus on, because your inner world is influenced by those thoughts.” - Marcus Aurelius

Your mindset shapes your outcomes and if you dwell on missed deals and pressure, negativity seeps in.

But if you focus on strengths and opportunities, you’ll bring that energy into every client conversation.

Think of it like method acting for sales; channel a winning mindset, and you’ll project confidence, resilience, and value.

Take a moment each morning to visualize success, set your intentions, and act accordingly. The rest will follow. 

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

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“Chasing the impossible is insane. But the average person doesn’t know how to do anything but that.” - Marcus Aurelius

Trying to achieve unattainable goals only leads to frustration. Instead, focus your energy on what you can control and improve.

The Stoics teach us that consistent effort and discipline help us refine and master what truly matters.

In sales, this means focusing on your process, not chasing every lead.

Just like an athlete perfects one skill through focused training, refine your outreach, follow-up, and pitch. Consistency—not chaos—drives success.

Remember: it’s about pushing smart where it counts, not pushing hard on everything. 

Actionable tips:

• Rather than spreading yourself thin, focus on mastering the most important parts of your sales process, like qualifying leads or honing your pitch.
• Consistent, targeted efforts will always outdo sporadic, unfocused attempts. Create a daily routine that sharpens your skills over time.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

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“Turn to your own guiding reason, to the logic of the whole, and to your neighbor's perspective. Focus on your own mind to keep it fair, on the universe to remember your role in it, and on your neighbor's to understand whether it's informed or misguided—while remembering it’s just like yours.” - Marcus Aurelius

Reason is our guiding force. It helps us understand our place in the bigger picture, connect meaningfully with others, and make thoughtful decisions.

In sales, it's easy to get swept up in emotions or rush for a quick close. But pause and ask: Am I making the right decision or simply reacting?

Take a step back, think clearly, and let logic lead your approach.

Whether you’re on a call, in negotiations, or responding to emails, channel your inner Spock. A calm, rational mindset helps you navigate high-pressure situations, make fair decisions, and relate to customers in a meaningful way.

When work pressures mount, keep your head clear and let reason steer the ship.

Actionable tips:

• Before jumping into a decision, take a moment to check your emotions and ensure your actions are based on clear, logical thinking. Ask yourself: "What’s the smartest next step for both me and the client?"
• Think beyond individual deals. How does this customer fit into your long-term goals? Are you aligning with the broader goals of your company?
• Try to see things from the customer's perspective. Are they being rational, or are they making decisions based on incomplete information? Adjust your communication to help them see things clearly.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

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Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“If you ever focus on things outside your control just to impress someone, know that you've undermined your true purpose. Instead, commit to living with wisdom and integrity in everything you do.” - Epictetus

Seeking approval from others only distracts you from living authentically.

True fulfillment comes from aligning your actions with your values, not from external validation.

Statistically, not everyone will like you - and that’s okay. Focus on what you can control: your character, choices, and growth.

In sales, trying too hard to win approval can create unnecessary stress. Instead, center your energy on solving problems for your customers.

Control your preparation, build genuine connections, and let your results speak for themselves. If you stay true to your principles, approval will follow naturally.

Actionable tips:

• Instead of trying to win over everyone, focus on providing value to the people who genuinely need your product or service.
• Prepare thoroughly for your pitches, but let go of worrying about how others will respond. You can't control their reactions.
• Have confidence in your skills and strategy. Success will come from consistency and staying true to your principles, not from chasing external validation.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

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Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“Life without a plan is chaotic. Once you have one, principles become essential. I think you'd agree there's nothing more shameful than indecisive, wavering behavior or backing down without courage. This is what happens in all areas of life unless we tackle the flaws that hold us back, sap our energy, and stop us from giving our all.” - Seneca

Without a clear plan, we drift, waver in decisions, and retreat from challenges.

Clarity of purpose builds confidence and ensures consistent effort.

Success isn’t luck; it’s the result of breaking big goals into small, actionable steps.

In sales, this means knowing your numbers, refining your pitch, and following up with purpose. Build a roadmap and focus on the daily actions that drive results.

When you work the process with clarity and discipline, confidence and success will follow.

Actionable tips:

• Outline a specific strategy for your daily tasks, from prospecting to closing deals. This will ensure you stay focused and avoid distractions.
• Stick to your process, even when you face setbacks. Don’t let a tough call or a missed opportunity throw you off course. Stay the course and trust your plan.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

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Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“Diogenes of Sinope said we trade things of real value for things of little worth, and vice versa.” - Diogenes Laërtius

We’re all time-billionaires, yet we often focus on things that don’t truly matter.

A millionaire at the end of their life would trade everything to be 20 again, proving that time, not money, is our most precious asset.

It’s easy to chase quick wins like hitting targets, earning commissions, or winning every deal.

But prioritizing these over long-term success can cost you what truly matters: strong relationships, repeat business, and a reputation built on integrity.

Value your time and invest it wisely. Focus on what endures, not just what’s fleeting.

Actionable tips:

• Before pursuing a deal, ask yourself: does this align with my long-term goals, or is it just a quick fix? Focus on what truly matters.
• Focus on building trust. Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to strengthen your reputation. Don’t undervalue the power of genuine relationships.
• Like your resources, time is valuable. Spend it on high-priority tasks that contribute to long-term success, not just immediate gratification.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

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“How do you guide your inner reasoning? That’s the key to everything. Everything else, whether it’s under your control or not, is nothing but smoke and illusion.” - Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius reminds us that everything outside our control is just “smoke and illusion.”

What truly matters is how we guide our inner reasoning, the mindset that drives our decisions and actions.

In sales, it’s easy to get distracted by rejection, competition, or uncontrollable outcomes. But none of that matters as much as how you respond.

Your mindset is your anchor. Like an athlete blocking out the noise of the crowd, focus on what you can control, your effort, attitude, and actions.

A steady, disciplined mind keeps you resilient and on track.

Actionable tips:

• Control your responses. When a deal goes sideways or a prospect ghosts you, pause before reacting. Ask yourself, "What’s in my control?" and focus on that.
• Practise mental clarity. Before important meetings or calls, take a few moments to clear your mind and set your intentions for how you want to show up.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

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Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/

“Freedom isn’t found by chasing everything you want but by letting go of the need to want.” - Epictetus

Our brains are wired to always strive for more, and while this drive has fueled human progress, more doesn’t always equal happiness.

True contentment comes from appreciating what you have and taking pride in your efforts.

Epictetus teaches us that real freedom isn’t about fulfilling every desire, but learning to let go of the endless chase for more.

Focus on doing the work well. Fulfilment comes from the effort, not the outcome.

Push forward, but stay grounded.

Recognize when enough is enough and celebrate the progress you've made.

Actionable tips:

• Focus on the quality of your work and client relationships instead of obsessing over closing every deal.
• Ask yourself if you're making decisions based on need or greed. Shift your mindset to long-term value rather than short-term wins.

Remember you will die.

—

Watch The Sales Stoic on Stream by Dealfront: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/stream/series/the-sales-stoic

Subscribe to The Sales Stoic for daily insights: https://www.dealfront.com/resources/newsletters/the-sales-stoic/

Follow Jack & Zac:

Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/

Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

Connect with We Have a Meeting:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-have-a-meeting/

Website: https://www.wehaveameeting.com/