In many ways, a rejection can be a good indicator that we are moving forward. It shows that we are taking risks and putting ourselves out there, which is a crucial part of growth.
Applying for a job and receive a rejection letter, it might sting. But the very act of applying means you are taking steps forward. It shows you are trying. Each rejection can be viewed as a small failure on the path to success. It is part of the process.
Rejections can help us learn more about ourselves and our goals. They can also provide valuable insights into what we might need to change or improve.
One example that comes to mind is J.K. Rowling, who faced numerous rejections before "Harry Potter" was published. If she had given up after the first few rejections, we might not have the beloved series we have today.
Sometimes, fear holds us back. We worry about looking foolish if we reach out to someone or apply for something. This fear can be paralyzing. But here’s the thing: we have to push through that fear. For instance, if you are about to send a memo to a potential investor but feel stuck, don’t let fear stop you.
You draft a memo to an investor and hesitate to hit send, you think about all the ways it could go wrong. In reality, the worst-case is simply that they don’t respond. On the flip side, they reply with feedback. Even if the feedback is tough to hear, it is still a step forward. That feedback could be the key to improving your proposal or understanding what investors are looking for.
Render yourself intentionally into rejection and make it one dot in the story that you'll be telling about in future.