Instead, he pats himself on the back and says job well done for getting himself in contention. Use it as a learning experience. As you get older, you get wiser. Experience is the great equalizer in golf. It helps the older players on tour compete with the talent of their less experienced peers.
Great players use setbacks to improve themselves and gain knowledge.
Probably that he shouldn't let his ego or what others say interfere with making smart choices. Keep your goals in focus. Loss of motivation is a big challenge after defeat. This is when you have to remind yourself of your goals in golf and recommit yourself to being a better player everyday. But after a grieving period of, say, one or two weeks, it's time to get focused on your goals.