Recently I’ve been faced with several rejections, all having to do with my work in one way or another. While I did feel well…rejected, the way I instinctively reacted to one versus another struck me as interesting.
In one situation, while there was still the sting of rejection, I wasn’t surprised and I wasn’t deeply wounded. In another, I was totally bummed out for days. And as I contemplated this it occurred to me that these rejections were revealing my priorities to me. They were showing me what I care about.
Rejection can be painful. Seriously painful in some circumstances. But it is also necessary. The chains of rejection in our lives have the power to reveal what we really care about, to highlight the chances we do and do not take, and ultimately to call us to evolve; to evolve how we think, how we work, how and why we make the decisions we do, how we submit resumes, audition, present ourselves to the world, and how we shoulder feelings of defeat. Rejection, if soberly felt and utilized wisely, has the power to pointedly guide you back to your inner compass. That’s some powerful stuff!
In short, rejection is a gift.
As I wade through the rejections in my life, clumsily attempting to learn the lessons they offer, I’d love to hear from you. What rejections have guided you (small and big), brought you back, pushed you forward?
superb! Yes, rejection is an integral part of our life and we must accept it gracefully. Very well written. Loved your post!