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Acts of bravery.
Displays of love - large or small.
Sincere smiles from strangers.
Inspiring words.
Emails from my readers.
Music.
Holding a child's hand.
Art.
Finishing an essay that I poured my heart into.
What do all of these things have in common? They motivate me. They give me butterflies. They make me want to be strong and make a difference. They remind me what side I'm on and that the force is with me. They make my soul say, "Yes. Life is good. God is everywhere."
Wine and dirty dancing have the same effect on me, but for some reason they didn't feel appropriate for this list. I tried to keep it as innocent as I could, but I have my vices. They're worthy of honorable mention if they help me get my point across, don't you think?
Let me ask you another question. What inspires you? What makes you feel determined and undeniable? Does rejection come to mind? After reading this, maybe it will.
It recently occurred to me that I could take the bite out of rejection by allowing it to inspire me instead of discourage me.
Instead of doubting myself and wondering if I have any right to ask an editor to publish me, or a new client to hire me - why not keep at it until I connect with the right opportunities and the right people to share my vision?
When you put yourself out there, everyone won't like what you do. You can choose to focus on the people who don't get it, or you can focus on those who do. The key is to keep going. Keep creating and connecting.
When a door closes, think on these things:
Commitment. Rejection is part of the game. Accept it and make it work for you.
Fierce determination. Can't stop. Won't stop. Let rejection fuel your fire.
Work ethic. If you think you're good now, keep working and you will only get better.
Vulnerability. Put yourself out there and feel empowered by it. No matter the response.
See your success as an inevitability and rejection as a catalyst to motivate you. I can see the sparkle in your eyes already!
If
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Yes! I love and needed this post! I, too, once had a fear of rejection. But I've come to, instead, see it as a way for me to learn.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for believing in yourself and what you have to offer!
Thanks Jessica! I'm getting there :) The concept of "Act as if" applies here as well. Even if you're afraid, you have to make the pitch anyway, you know?! I guess eventually you learn how to function and even thrive in even with the fear still right there under the surface, ya know?
DeleteI really love this. Rejection could be a means to an end, but it also could be a beginning. I really like how you put that into words because it's very true in life. I think if you never take chances, you would never know if others would like it and if they don't, so what?
ReplyDeleteI'm still a rockstar, with my rock moves lol
LOL! That's the attitude you have to have!
DeleteI am past the days of letting the fear of rejection hinder me. My thought process now is the worst they can say is no!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mimi the worst people can say is no. I have been told no so many times but for every no there is someone who will say yes. Its hard but I keep pushing because I only have to answer for what I do. Rejection is a way for you to get out there and do things on your own that's how I see it. Great post
ReplyDeleteMimi and Kita - I remember a time when being told no was like getting my eye poked out. It was devastating. I still have to make a really conscious effort because I'm always just inclined to not make any waves. But I'm learning!
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, I needed this! And this: "You can choose to focus on the people who don't get it, or you can focus on those who do."
ReplyDeleteI work for myself and each year depend on clients signing up with me. I take things so personally when they don't, when they choose one of my competitors, and then I obsess over it. I will need to print out this post and tack it on my desk! I am sure there is not a single successful person on this planet who does not experience rejection. Thanks - always love your insights on living better.