The Sales Stoic

“Eat like a human being, drink like one, dress well, get married, have children, get involved in your community, deal with criticism, handle a difficult sibling, father, son, neighbour, or companion. Show us through these everyday actions that you’ve truly learned from the philosophers.” - Epictetus

Stoicism isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about how you show up in the small, daily moments.

Integrity, patience, and self-control aren’t just for big challenges; they’re built through consistency in the mundane.

In sales, true growth isn’t found in the big wins alone but in the daily grind. Each email, every call, and even rejections are chances to refine your craft.

Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistently doing the right thing, no matter how small.

Over time, those small efforts add up to something extraordinary.

Actionable tips:

• Next time a client pushes back or things don't go your way, take a breath before reacting. Ask yourself how a Stoic would handle this - calmly and with perspective.
• Every conversation, every demo, even rejections, are steps toward mastering your craft. Celebrate the process, not just the big results.

Remember you will die.

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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/

“The struggles of the rational mind are entrenched and deeply ingrained habits, like greed and unchecked ambition - they’ve locked the mind in a straitjacket and become persistent flaws.” - Seneca

Greed and ambition can distort our judgment, leading us to chase things that don’t truly matter.

In sales, this often manifests as an obsessive focus on targets, commissions, or accolades, at the expense of genuine relationships and delivering real value.

Reframe rejection - it’s not failure but part of the process.

By letting go of the fear of losing and staying focused on integrity and problem-solving, you free yourself from the trap of chasing the wrong things.

Do the right work, and the rewards will naturally follow.

Actionable tips:

• Take a moment to evaluate why you're chasing certain deals or metrics. Are you focusing on what truly matters, or are you being driven by greed or external pressures?
• Instead of obsessing over every potential sale, think about how you can offer real value to your customers. This mindset shift will help you build stronger, longer-lasting relationships.

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/

“What does it mean to be properly educated? It’s about learning to align our instincts with the right priorities, staying in tune with our nature, and understanding how to distinguish what we can control from what we can’t.” - Epictetus

True education isn’t just about acquiring knowledge, but is about aligning your actions with your priorities and focusing only on what you can control.

The Stoics remind us that we can’t control everything, but we can control how we prepare, respond, and adapt.

In sales, this means directing your energy toward what you can influence: building relationships, sharpening your pitch, and finding creative solutions.

Don’t waste time stressing over what’s out of your hands, like a competitor’s moves or a prospect’s final decision.

Do your best, act with integrity, and let go of the rest.

Actionable tips:

• Focus on the process, not the result. Don’t stress over whether or not you’ll hit your quota, focus on perfecting your outreach, follow-up, and relationships.
• Let go of what you can’t control. If a deal falls apart, ask yourself: did I do my best? If the answer is yes, move on without regret.
• Constantly improve what’s in your control. You can’t control a client's decision, but you can refine your skills, product knowledge, and pitch to be more effective.

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/

“People often look for escapes—in the countryside, by the ocean, or up in the mountains… But relying on those escapes is a weakness when, at any moment, you can find peace within yourself. Nowhere is quieter or more calming than your own mind—especially if you’ve cultivated clarity and balance there.” - Marcus Aurelius

We often wish for peace in distant escapes such as a mountain retreat or a beach holiday, but the most powerful sanctuary is found within ourselves.

Marcus Aurelius reminds us that inner calm is always accessible if we cultivate it.

In sales, where the pressure never stops, your breath can be your anchor

A few deep, intentional breaths can ground you, clear your mind, and create space to reset.

Whether it’s before a call, after a rejection, or during a busy day, this simple habit can keep you steady and focused.

Why wait for a vacation to recharge when you can retreat to your inner calm anytime?

Actionable tips:

• Practice mindfulness daily. Set aside 5–10 minutes a day to meditate, breathe deeply, or simply reflect. Use this time to reset and refocus on your goals.
• Before jumping from one task to the next, pause for a brief moment to clear your head. A quick mental reset can help you approach the next task with renewed energy.
• Having a clear and organised workspace can contribute to an organised mind. Make tidying part of your routine so you can focus better during the day.

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/

“I may wish to avoid torture, but if the moment comes when I must face it, I'll aim to endure it with courage, strength, and dignity. Of course, I'd rather not be caught in a war, but if war finds me, I'll strive to bear the wounds, hunger, and hardships with honor. I’m not so reckless as to wish for illness, but if I have to face it, I'll work to handle it without losing composure or integrity.” - Seneca

We may wish to avoid adversity, but the true test isn’t in escaping challenges, it’s in how we respond to them.

Adversity is an opportunity to build resilience, courage, and composure. It’s not the storm itself that defines us but the strength we show while weathering it.

In sales, obstacles and uncertainties are inevitable.

Don’t wish for an easy road. Instead, focus on developing the grit, patience, and adaptability that will help you thrive, no matter what challenges come your way.

Success won’t come by avoiding hardship, instead learn to meet it with honour and resilience.

Remember, tough moments will pass, but the character you build during them will last.

Actionable tips:

• When a deal falls through or you lose a big client, don’t view it as a failure. See it as an opportunity to sharpen your skills and develop resilience.
• You can’t control a prospect’s decision or market conditions, but you can control how you react. Stay calm, stay strategic, and always act with integrity.

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/

“Keep these two principles in mind: nothing is truly good or bad except how we choose to perceive it, and instead of trying to control events, we should adapt to them.” - Epictetus

Life is less about what happens and more about how we choose to respond.

Pressure can be a powerful tool for growth, but only if we face it head-on. Growth doesn’t come from comfort, it comes from challenges.

In sales, uncertainty is the norm. You can’t control every prospect’s response or every deal’s outcome, but you can control how you react.

High-pressure moments are your proving ground. Like a surfer mastering unpredictable waves, success lies in your ability to adapt with skill and grace.

Remember: You don’t need to control the events, only your response to them. Embrace the challenges, and let them sharpen your resilience and calm.

Actionable tips:

• When something doesn't go as planned, pause and ask yourself, "What can I control in this situation?" Use that clarity to guide your next steps instead of reacting emotionally.
• When a client throws a curveball, don’t panic. Adjust your strategy and stay calm. Practice accepting challenges as they come, flexibility is your superpower.

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/

“Today I broke free from the pressure of my circumstances—or rather, I let them go. The pressure wasn’t coming from the outside but from my own assumptions.” - Marcus Aurelius

Pressure doesn’t come from external events, but from how we interpret and react to them. 

Challenges don’t overwhelm us; our mindset does.

In sales, rejection, missed targets, or last-minute changes can feel crushing. But the real weight isn’t in the events themselves, it’s in how we choose to respond.

By controlling your reactions, you can approach setbacks with clarity, resilience, and focus, keeping your performance steady no matter the circumstances.

The power lies in your response. Use it wisely.

Actionable tips:

• When faced with rejection or a tough situation, pause and reflect: Is it really the event itself that’s stressing you out, or how you’re reacting to it? Adjust your perspective to stay in control.
• View challenges not as failures, but as opportunities to refine your skills and improve your approach. Each "no" is a step closer to a "yes."

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/

“You are not defined by your appearance or hairstyle, but by your ability to make good choices. If your choices are beautiful, so too will you be.” - Epictetus

True value isn’t about appearances, it's about the choices you make.

Consistently making wise decisions earns respect and admiration, not through flashy displays, but through meaningful actions.

In sales, your reputation is built in the small moments: following up thoughtfully, truly listening to prospects, and focusing on their needs over your pitch.

Success doesn’t come from noise; it comes from quiet, calculated actions that let results speak for themselves.

Make the right choices, time after time, and let your actions set you apart.

Actionable tips:

• When interacting with prospects, focus on what will build trust and add value, rather than rushing toward a close.
• Before sending a follow-up email or making a decision, pause and ask yourself, "Is this the best approach for building a long-term relationship?"

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/

“Value your ability to understand, for it ensures that nothing enters your mind that contradicts nature or logic. It’s the foundation of your responsibility, demanding care for others, diligence in your actions, and alignment with your values.” - Marcus Aurelius

Our ability to think clearly is sacred. It’s the foundation for making decisions that align with logic, empathy, and our core values.

By protecting this capacity, we ensure our actions are grounded in wisdom.

In sales, mental clarity is invaluable and it helps you understand client needs, navigate objections, and close deals.

But distractions and external pressures can cloud your thinking.

Guard your mental space, focus on what truly matters: serving your customers and creating win-win solutions.

Keep your mind sharp, and you’ll make better decisions every time.

Actionable tips:

• Be selective about what you allow into your headspace. Don’t dwell on negative feedback, pointless gossip, or irrelevant information. Focus on what helps you grow.
• Before you dive into your day, take a few moments to ground yourself—whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply writing down your priorities.
• Let your decisions be guided by principles like integrity, diligence, and care for your clients. If something feels off, trust your gut and revisit your approach.

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/

“No one loses a life but the one they're currently living, and no one experiences any life other than the one they’re losing. The longest and shortest lives are, in the end, the same, because the present moment is all we truly have.” - Marcus Aurelius

The present moment is all we truly control.

Whether we worry about past losses or future deals, those concerns only distract us from what’s right in front of us.

For salespeople, this is a call to focus on the now. Every sales conversation is an opportunity that only exists in the present.

Stop worrying about what’s next, just give your full attention to the prospect you’re engaging with today.

Now is the only moment that can move you forward.

Actionable tips:

• Treat each interaction with your clients as if it's the only one that matters, because in the present moment, it is.
• Let go of past mistakes and future worries. Focus on what you can control now, your actions, your words, and your mindset.
• Take a few deep breaths or do a quick reset before jumping into your next task. This will help you stay centred in the present moment.

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/