Why a $120,000 Commission Falling Apart Was a Win in Disguise
Recently, I had a deal I’d been working on for six or seven months—a $120,000 commission set to close in December. Everything was lined up, ready to go. And then… it fell apart. Was I upset? Of course. For about a second.
But as I was driving into the office, I started thinking about how differently I would’ve handled this same situation seven or eight years ago. Back then, I’d have been a mess—angry, frustrated, caught up in a “why me?” spiral. I would’ve let it derail my mindset for days, maybe even weeks. Now, though? I see it differently. I’ve been in this business long enough to know that moments like these are just part of the game. Deals fall apart. Opportunities shift. But if you stay focused, you start to see how everything happens for a reason. Here’s the thing: when that deal fell through, I had a choice. I could dwell on the loss, or I could look forward. And what happened next is exactly why I choose the latter.
That same client and I are now discussing a new project—a $5 or $6 million development that’s already built, not just land. If it comes together, the commission could easily double. Will it close next year? Maybe. Maybe not. But here’s what I know for sure: opportunities will keep coming, as long as I keep showing up. This is what growth looks like. It’s about resilience. It’s about trusting that when one door closes, another one—usually a bigger one—will open. If you’ve been in this business for a while, you know what I’m talking about. If you’re newer to the game, let this be your reminder: don’t let setbacks derail you. The key is to keep moving, keep growing, and keep the faith. Because the next opportunity? It might be even bigger than the one you just lost.
Here’s to staying in the game.
Mindset Reset Exercise: How to See Setbacks Differently
Next time you face a setback, take 10 minutes to reframe your mindset with this simple exercise:
Write it out
Grab a notebook or open a blank document. Write down exactly what happened and how you’re feeling. Be honest—get the frustration out of your head and onto the page.
Ask yourself three questions
What could this setback be teaching me?
What opportunity might this open up instead?
How can I use this to grow personally or professionally?
Flip the script
Write down one positive outcome that could result from this situation. It doesn’t need to be huge—just something that helps you shift your focus.
Take one small step forward
Identify one action you can take today to keep momentum going, whether that’s reaching out to a new lead, checking in with a past client, or brainstorming your next move.
Resilience is like a muscle—the more you practice, the stronger it gets. Start with this exercise, and over time, you’ll find yourself bouncing back faster and stronger from whatever challenges come your way.
