Rejection is cruel and could be extremely devastating if you’re not a “strong person”. If you’ve never faced rejection you’re one of a lucky few. In fact I think all humans have faced rejection at some point or another.
Today though I remember a time where rejection was plentiful and almost constant. Oddly enough several of the places where rejection was experienced, either became less distinguished, closed their businesses, was sold or became embattled of some kind. I was amazed, dumbfounded and took a hint but more importantly learned from it. I allowed myself to reflect, learn and prepare for WHEN the opportunity arrived. Sure enough, when I started a new job I was perhaps more prepared than I thought. So what did I do?
Step 1: I told myself, It Has Already Been Done…It Can Not Be That hard! Many of us look for unique opportunities, trademarks and secrets, and products/services to deliver. The reality is that there are very few “one-of-a kinds” other there and a whole heap of competition.
Step 2: Look Good! If you have five kids under five years old, and feel old, miserable, worn out and sleepy to all…Look Good! That means hair groomed, clothes pressed, shoes clean and walking upright. (Btw, I don’t have 5 children lol)
Step 3: Drink Water and Eat Lunch! Many of us put our bodies at risk to get work done – Skip breakfast to be early, eat lunch late and don’t get enough rest…sometimes one of these things may be necessary but should not be a constant. The reality is that you can change jobs twenty times but you only have one body so care it.
Step 4: Keep Abreast – Learn Fast! It is impossible to know everything and if you start the same type job in another workplace they may do things a little bit differently or have a different culture but it shouldn’t be completely and overwhelmingly new.
Step 5: Exercise! Great for the body yes but also helps to prepare you mentally so that you could receive your new environment. Your adjustment to your new workplace largely depends on you.
Step 6: Be Entrepreneurial! Your new workplace may or may not be your own business, but if you’ve tried to start your own business and hustled everyday just to get noticed, financed or otherwise then you’d know the kind of commitment it takes before you get comfortable and live a little.
Step 7: Never think you’re too old! Many have quit school school and launched extremely successful businesses, others waited until mid-40’s and others are being encouraged to start, even in retirement.
Step 7: Know that you are not alone!
Step 8: Let it go! Whatever the reasons that you are not at your old job is in the past, don’t take it forward with you. The reason that you didn’t get hired also may not be because of you so just let it go…
Some things took work, no doubt but these steps were largely helpful in dealing with rejection and preparing for the job ahead.
