In life and leadership, people will disappoint you. Not because they’re bad—but because they’re people. And people are complex, inconsistent, and ever-evolving. That reality doesn’t make the disappointment any easier when you’ve poured your time, energy, and resources into someone—only for them to choose something or someone else.
What stings most isn’t the change. It’s when the change doesn’t make sense.
I’m built to be the best in what I do. I don’t say that with arrogance—I say that with conviction. I know my value. I lead with it. I serve with it. I share it. I am a transformative force, a spiritual steward, and an amazing coach—a coach that cultivates growth, creates opportunity, advances progress, builds confidence, and harmonizes a shared journey of learning. That’s rare. That’s refined. That’s elite.
So when someone chooses something else—and it’s a vertical move (a better fit, a next-level opportunity)—I don’t flinch. I celebrate it. I want to join it. Greatness attracts greatness. But when the move is horizontal—a sidestep at best, a downgrade at worst—that’s when the temptation to take it personal creeps in.
That’s when the process has to kick in.
I’ve learned that in order to stay grounded, to stay focused, and to keep showing up with excellence, I need a system to help me stay professional when I want to take it personal. Just like baseball, this process is about running the bases with intentionality—from home to first, first to second, second to third, and back home.
Here’s my process:
The PROFESSIONAL BASEPATH
Home Plate: Clarity of Conviction
Start with being clear on who you are and what you bring. I don’t coach from comparison. I coach from conviction. I’m the best in class because I do the work, I get results, and I lead with love. Knowing this is the foundation. It grounds me and protects me from being shaken by every exit.
First Base: Communicate with Consistency
Before commitment, I communicate. I don’t assume people see my value—I articulate it. I make sure there’s shared understanding around what it means to work with me, grow with me, and commit to what I bring. I also have open conversations about what a vertical move looks like—because I know there are levels even beyond me.
Second Base: Define the Direction
We define what “better” really means. Vertical moves elevate. Horizontal ones distract. If someone makes a move, we’ve already agreed to evaluate whether it’s truly up—or just elsewhere. If it’s up, I salute. If it’s not, I stay solid, not salty.
Third Base: Respond, Don’t React
This is where the growth shows. Instead of reacting emotionally, I respond intentionally. I stay cordial. I say hello. I wish well. Not because I’m unbothered, but because I’m disciplined. My peace isn’t tied to someone’s choice—it’s tied to my purpose.
Back Home: Stay in Purpose
Everything comes full circle. I keep becoming better, not bitter. If someone chooses differently, I don’t let it alter my aim. I coach. I create. I cultivate. I continue. Because at the end of the day, I’m not building airplanes, houses, or engines—I’m building people. And that takes professionalism even when it hurts.
Some people are bitter because I’m better. And that’s not on me. My job isn’t to shrink. My job is to shine and show others how to rise. I’ve learned to be professional—especially when I’m tempted to take it personal—because the mission is bigger than my emotions.
So if you ever find yourself wondering how I keep it together when I’m let down—just know I’ve got a basepath, and I keep running it with purpose.
Let’s keep it moving. Let’s keep it professional.
photo credit: iSmooth