Let’s Talk About Rejection
Last week, I was featured on Episode 83 of the HERE.together Podcast with Charles Matheus and Kelly Roberge. We talked about a myriad of topics around female empowerment, but I ended the episode by asking listeners to participate in the Rejection Challenge: go out of your way to get rejected at least once every day.
So why should you put yourself in a situation where you are actively trying to get rejected?
Rejection creates resilience
The ability to be told “no” and to stay strong, or bounce back even stronger, is all about building grit and resilience. Overcoming obstacles, challenges, and rejections, and moving past them or finding other solutions, will ultimately lead to personal and professional success. Working as a Life Coach has taught me that humans are resilient. While being rejected stings, you WILL bounce back, reinforcing your own resiliency.
Build your “rejection muscle” - it gets easier
Like working out a muscle, getting rejected gets easier the more that you practice. By putting yourself in situations in which you will get rejected, it takes the “sting” out of the rejection and doesn’t hurt as much. You’re working that rejection muscle. The next time you ask someone for a favor, apply for a job, or ask for your boss’ support on a new initiative, the fear of being told “no” won’t seem so daunting. You’ll know HOW to get rejected because you’ve already practiced building that muscle. And if you’re not afraid of rejection, imagine the possibilities that open up for you!
What’s the worst that could happen?
If you were to ask for something you truly desire, what is the worst that would happen? Would you be told no? Would your ego be bruised? Would you feel hopeless? If so, it’s time to go for it! Unless you are jeopardizing something important (safety, relationships, family), what harm could come from going after something you want? There is always a chance you’ll get a YES-- and that chance is probably higher than you think. Doesn’t that possible yes outweigh the possibility of a bruised ego? Even if you get rejected, won’t you be in the same place you are now anyway? Why not go for it?
In the spirit of self-growth, development, and reaching your goals... who is ready for some rejection?
