Practice getting rejected
What would you be doing with your life right now if you weren’t afraid of being rejected? Would you make different choices? Would you reach higher? Some of us have a much higher tolerance for rejection (for example, aspiring writers, actors, dancers and singers have to deal with a lot of rejection simply because it’s a feature of their career choice), and some of us are so worried of getting rejected that we never even try.
Fear of rejection can become a self-imposed limitation that prevents us from doing things we want to do and living the life we want to live. But dealing with rejection is a skill, and like any other skill, it can be taught. So this week practice flexing your “rejection tolerance” muscle to make is stronger.
HOW TO: This week ask people for things that you normally never would. It doesn’t matter how outrageous it is – your goal is to get rejected anyway. Consider getting rejected as an accomplishment, and if people say “no,” just smile and mentally pat yourself on the back. Notice how it feels to get rejected, and then move past it.
I was in sales for several years. Asking people for things is not so hard for me. I’ve learned that a ‘no’ is often a request for additional information. Also, when I call a person and they don’t call me back, I will call back a time or two. I’ve learned that busy people appreciate persistence (especially when you’re offering them something that will make a positive difference, you have a good cause or product).
Thank you Donna, that’s great to know! And mentally reframing a “no” as a request for additional information I think is super helpful!
Hello Olga,
I find rejection not easy to deal with when it comes from my own mum.
Thank you.
Nathalie
That is tough Nathalie, I am very sorry to hear that. People who are the closest often hurt us the most. Did you happen to read a blog post about reframing our thinking? I talked about a similar issue I had with my grandmother and how I was able to reframe it for myself. May be it will help? Here it is >