I’ve always considered rejection to be a blessing in disguise. It teaches you two things, to prepare for your next move and to realize it may not be the right time, but never give up.
What do all big CEO’s have in common? They have all been rejected many times throughout their lifetime. How you handle it is the difference between failure and success.
Many people will stop in their tracks for the fear of rejection. They won’t go after what they desire for the fear that people will judge them if things don’t work out.
Wayne Gretsky said it best, “You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Not many people know this, but if you have not experienced “real” rejection, you probably haven’t experienced “real” success.
Here are 4 ways rejection can be used as a blessing in disguise:
1. Opportunity.
Rather than being discouraged with negativity, see what you could do better next time. Use this situation as an opportunity to gain feedback.
You can’t improve if you don’t asses the problem, and self-awareness is a trait that will help you advance perpetually. And, get the shot right, the next go-around.
2. Fear.
Most people won’t go after what they want for the fear it won’t work out. They’re afraid that their mistake will cause humiliation among their peers.
Rejection will only inhibit you if you let it, and you will have to encourage yourself not to. If you’re confident and persistent, you will be unstoppable in pursing your goals. Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever did.
3. Motivation.
Success is the best revenge. Instead of complaining about something out of your control, work harder to show you’re better than that.
Don’t let something small hold you back, rather take it as an inspiration. The results will be worth it.
4. Comfort.
When you constantly get what you want, you may begin to get comfortable. Rejection will be your wake up call.
“It’s about enjoying the destination, but never getting too comfortable.”
The minute you begin to get comfortable, you are on the fast track to mediocrity. Don’t be so quick to give up; the minute you stop trying, others are working twice as hard to surpass you. Don’t be the chess piece, be the chess player.
Seek out rejection. The first step to being the person you’ve always wanted to be, is having the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
And as a famous writer said, “Life only begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Comfort won’t lead you to your dreams. Sacrifice will. So, don’t ever get complacent.