I don’t know one winner who likes to lose.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a game of hoops, a hand of spades, or a deal at work. Losing bothers you.

But some losses do more than hurt your feelings. A mentor of mine once told me something I’ve never forgotten:

“If it breaks your heart, but opens your eyes, count it as a win.”

Think about that for a second. The relationship ends, and it shows you what you need to change. That’s a win. You lose the big deal, and it shows you what’s broken in your sales approach. That’s a win.

You don’t have to learn to like losing. You don’t even have to feel better about losing. Do everything within the rules in order to prepare to win.

But when a loss finds you anyway, and it opens your eyes, count it as a win.