Rejection is valuable.
Typical reactions to rejection fall into these categories:
- I suck
- They suck
- It doesn’t matter
They lead to takeaways that shape how you see yourself.
If your takeaway from every rejection is “I’m a failure.” then you will become a failure to yourself.
If it’s “They’re terrible.” you become a victim.
If it’s “Oh well. It doesn’t matter.” you become a nobody.
But to draw any of those conclusions is a waste of a rejection.
A rejection is a precious and valuable experience.
A rejection can be a confirmation of your integrity.
A rejection can point to something you’re meant to overcome.
A rejection can awaken you from going down the wrong path.
A rejection can show you what you’re made of.
A rejection can save your life.
Don’t waste your next rejection. Turn it into gold.
Sure, ideally your life path will be full of intended outcomes: things you consciously work towards and achieve.
But realistically, it will be full of both intended and unintended outcomes.
A rejection is simply an unintended outcome.
And if you look closer, it can reveal shortcuts to self-discovery.
Getting dumped is a chance to learn how to love yourself.
Getting laid off is a chance to redefine success.
Getting passed over for a job is a chance to practice patience.
Getting kicked down is a chance to learn how to get back up.
Getting hurt is a chance to learn how to heal.
It’s the unintended outcomes of life that compel us to grow.
That growth then propels us towards intended outcomes with more wisdom and vigor.
So next time you get rejected, celebrate!
You’ve stumbled upon an opportunity of a lifetime.
Originally published at stancecoaching.com on September 23, 2019.
