A is for Acceptance: The Moment I Stopped Fighting My Job Title

If you read my introduction, you know I was delusional about my first job. I convinced myself I was the "Business Executive" who would be engaging clients and sorting out their issues—a noble helper, not a dreaded salesperson. During the interview, I put on a stellar performance, selling myself to land the job, especially since, let's be real, jobs are hard to come by.

But the fantasy didn't last long. The moment that glossy facade shattered was when the email from my boss landed: monthly targets.

My stomach dropped. Targets? That’s when the truth hit me: I was the one who had to go out of my way to persuade the client, not the other way around. My role wasn't just about ensuring clients were comfortable; it was about ensuring they bought something.

The Filler Mentality That Almost Ruined Me

For months, I was trapped in what I call the "Filler Mentality." I told myself this was just temporary, a "filler job" until a "more serious role" came along. Because I didn't truly accept the role, my performance dwindled. I was a mess—stressed, constantly pensive, and genuinely embarrassed. When family or friends asked what I did, I mumbled vague professional-sounding jargon, terrified they'd figure out I was "just selling things."

I had a great boss and supportive colleagues who genuinely tried to show me the ropes. But their help couldn't sink in until I made the mental shift. My turning point wasn't a great sale or a training seminar; it was a quiet, internal surrender.

I finally looked in the mirror and said: "This is a sales job. You might as well make the best out of it."

The Freedom of Acceptance

Once I accepted that fact—that my job title was just a fancy way of saying "professional persuader"—everything changed. The anxiety didn't vanish, but it transformed into energy.

With Acceptance, I was finally free to:

1. Read: I started consuming every sales book and blog I could find.

2. Consult: I stopped being embarrassed and started asking the top performers specific questions about their strategies.

3. Observe: I watched what the most successful people in the office did and tried to mirror their approach.

I traded in my stress for a longing to improve. Acceptance is the foundation. You can't learn, unlearn, or relearn until you stop fighting the very role you're in.

Are you still fighting your job title? Let's stop that now, because we've got a lot of learning to do.