There’s too much going on in my life right now to come up with resolutions. Besides it’s already the end of January! I’m barely keeping afloat, but there’s a philosophy for living my life that I’ve latched onto recently, so much so that I’ve decided to make it my word of the year: rejection. That’s right. I’m all about getting rejected.
Since the beginning of the year, I’ve gotten so many job-related rejections which would be totally depressing if it weren’t for the fact that I’ve got four interviews lined up over the next two weeks. BAM! I’ve been talking about getting a new job for a while now since I’ve been in the same department for the past seven years. All talk, no action. The problem is, I actually like the work I currently do. I also enjoyed being a product manager and working for a startup…so I am just really confused and torn. I am researching career coaches and hoping to work with one soon, as I am at a major crossroads with my career.
Here’s what holds a lot of people back. They simply don’t ask. Want a raise? Ask! Want to go on a date? Ask! You’re a small business owner (i.e, blogger) and want to work with a major brand? Just fucking ask!
It’s not hard, it’s just that the majority of people fear rejection. If, instead, it becomes part of your mantra and every day, you set out on a quest to get rejected, then every so often, someone is going to say yes and you will be floored! If the blind squirrel can get his nut, you mindfully-advanced human, can have your desires granted.
This is probably my favorite of all TED talks. It’s given by Jia Jiang on 100 Days of Rejection. Changed my life.
Oddly enough I had no idea how much I needed to read that today. Thank you, I will be doing a lot of asking tomorrow!
i’m so glad! i realize rejection sucks, but now that i’m so used to getting rejected, it doesn’t phase me anymore and it motivates me to keep trying, to keep penetrating and pushing through to attain my goals.
You are so right about the fear of rejection and have learned myself over the years if I want something to just reach out and grab for it. Good luck and truly think you got this 😉
there’s someone i know who constantly dated and constantly got rejected, but he never let it get him down. and i totally admired him because every once in a while, he would go out with some amazing beauties and it was like, “you go! you deserve to find someone.”
I love it! Let’s hope you DON’T get rejected at all of your upcoming interviews though. 🙂
thanks nikki! i hope there are some offer letters coming my way, but if not, i’ll just keep on trying!
I am kind of lucky, I learned a long time ago that the worst thing somebody can say is No. So, I just do it. Also, I sometimes operate (a work) that it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Good luck in interviews.
yes patrick, you totally have the philosophy down. i wish i’d learned that earlier on in life. the worst that can happen is someone says no and you are exactly where you were to begin with. no setback at all!
Best time to look for a job is while you’re still in one!
yes, i’ve heard that, michelle. but it can be hard to devote all the time that’s necessary when you have a job. but so true. might as well stay employed!
You can’t get accepted if you don’t want to risk rejection, right? I hope one of the interviews you have coming turn out to be your next job, Catherine!
yes, just go for it! i am on a mission to make my dreams a reality this year. i’ve listed out all my goals and next to each goal, i envision what is the dream scenario, then i go about trying to fulfill tasks to attain that goal. for example, we want to buy another home this year. to do that, we need to save more money. so i am on a mission to call our cellular and cable companies and asking them to reduce our bills. why not? can’t hurt!
definitely going to checkout the TEDs Talk. May as well have a love/love relationship with rejection.
rejection rocks! good to hear from you andrea!
I’m always too afraid of asking for stuff that I want. Mhy husband always says, “What’s the worst that can happen? They say ‘no’ then you can move on!” So it’s a good approach to just anticipate rejection – it’s like growing instant balls. LOL
Good luck on those interviews!!
yes it’s totally like growing instant balls…and not the deflated kind! good analogy. love it!
Great outlook! Good luck and hopefully some job offers will come your way!
I definitely fear rejection and I have never really submitted my writing far and wide. Or made more pushes with photography.
I always say “someday” but what’s to change before then? The change should be now.