(via Instagram)
Rejection. Woof. The worst.
But there’s no way around it, it’s part of business. You’re going to get rejected, more than once, and from projects you want so bad it hurts. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. And that doesn’t make you less of a person. I know when we feel the sting of rejection our initial thought is to run and hide. In one fell swoop we somehow forget all the good things we’ve ever done.
Even if it doesn’t come through on these blog posts or on my Instagram, I’m no different. Just the other day I was turned down for a project I really wanted. But instead of checking out for the rest of the day and fixating on the bad news, I sent out five more emails that will hopefully evolve into other projects I really want. It’s taken me a long time to get to this point, but I use rejection to drive me. Because letting it hold me back is no longer option. There’s too much to be done.
You too have too much to do. So, here are a few tips for pushing through and picking yourself up:
1. Archive. Get that email out of site as soon as you’re done responding (if necessary). Don’t let those bad vibes linger.
2. Pick one thing to make you happy and do it. Go buy a cupcake. Treat yourself to flowers. Take a 45 minute break to watch an episode of one of your favorite shows. Or this video. It’s okay to take some time out and reflect.
3. Remember, you are not your business. Even though you put your blood, sweat, and tears into your business, it is not who you are as a person. You are not getting rejected, your business just isn’t the best fit for whatever reason.
4. Get moving. Dance, go for a run, walk around the block. Just step away from the computer and get your blood pumping.
5. Make a list. What are other projects you want to work on? Make a list and set those into action.
Rejection is scary and it hurts. But how else are you going to get what you want unless you take that risk and ask?
“We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.”– Eleanor Roosevelt