Michael Portillo Quotes

I've had some ups and downs in my personal life, but I have overcame them.

Sure, losing an election hurts, but I've experienced worse. And at an age when every day is precious, brooding over what might have been is self-defeating. In conceding the 1996 election, I remarked that "tomorrow will be the first time in my life I don't have anything to do." I was wrong. Seventy-two hours after conceding the election, I was swapping wisecracks with David Letterman on his late-night show.

I don't think I've ever met any single person who has been vulgar. But you know, you learn along the way that some people are going to be very generous, and other people... It's just not innate within them. Sometimes I think you just have to decide if you're going to stand up and get on with it or if you're going to be crushed and threatened.

It's a healthy thing to get some bad criticism. I'm still here and I'm fine, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't get to you reading the negative stuff.

I might have to stumble a little bit more in public than others, but that's fine, I don't mind, I've developed a thick skin.

Of course I was bullied and of course I was called names - my last name is Weir. That's very, very close to 'weird,' or 'queer' and any of those words. But I've never been anyone to cry over spilled milk or be upset because kids don't like me, or people don't like me... It makes my skin stronger and thicker. And why cry? Your mascara runs.

I have learned not to allow rejection to move me.

It's important to remember, most people have been bullied, and it makes you a stronger person in the long run.

You will find that you survive humiliation. And that's an experience of incalculable value.

The biggest message I want to get out is that a lot of us live in a bubble, and we think things can't happen to us, but they do. When it does happen to you, take care of yourself, and then get up.

I think there's something kind of good about growing up in a place you know is not the cool place to be. I think it's good for your head.

When I have criticism that I feel is unfair, the rejection does disturb me, but it also strengthens me. I used to get turned down for all sorts of jobs. I used to writhe in pain, but then I would say, 'Good. Good. I will get stronger for this.'

The hardest things in my life have made me who I am.

Even going back to the haters, it's messed up what they say, but that's made me stronger, and it's built me into who I am today, and I am completely fine with that.

I believe the tough fights bring out the better fighter in myself.

I tried not to let all the criticism affect me, but it obviously does not go unnoticed.

As a young boy - I was 20-21, around that age - I didn't think I was being treated right. It can affect anyone, not just me. It was about how I bounced back, how I had to think and sit down and try to move on. Not let that defeat me.

I guess I feel the most powerful when someone tries to take my power or belittle me or insult me, and it doesn't work.

I'm the same person. I got a grenade thrown at me. Situation turned out how it did. Now I'm just trying to do good things.

It takes experience to get through your lows.

Someone who's passed through the circumstances that I have has to make the decision either to be a good person or a bad person, and I decide to become better at every opportunity.

When you have bad moments, you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it, and I believe I have become stronger.

Rejection is never personal, so don't let it consume you.

Am I ever gonna grow thick skin? No.

Disappointment builds character and strength.