That’s right.
And it’s not because it feels good
or because I’m masochistic.
It’s because it’s practical.
Theory 1.
If you’re not getting rejected, it’s likely that you’re not aiming very high.
Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts before succeeding with the light bulb.
Let me know the next time you fail that many times at anything and keep going.
When someone aims for greatness, rest assured that there will definitely be some struggles along the way.
So, if no one is ever telling you “no,” maybe you’re not asking for enough.
Theory 2.
Nobody ever said that the good life is the easy life
Don’t get me wrong — easy is super fun
But there’s a craving hardwired into my biology that I can sense whenever things get too easy and I’m a little too relaxed…
Challenge!
And that’s the truth — biology is often brought to its greatest expression by challenge.
Self-actualization was at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy and it basically meant that, once all other needs were met, the final step in our completion is to fully realize our potential.
So, for me, whatever I’m capable of achieving — I have to achieve (or at least attempt) if I’m to be happy.
Theory 3.
Handling rejection in a healthy way builds character and a sense of humor
When my best efforts are rejected, it forces me to refresh my sense of humility and not take myself too seriously.
It also contributes to my sense of humor so that I can provide some padding for my self-esteem.
I would rather be someone with a harder life and healthier outlook than someone who is given everything and has a inflated self-image to maintain.
Theory 4.
Rejection makes me better at what I do.
Few things are as motivational as being told that you’re not good enough.
Rejection forces me to take honest glances at my own skill level and then make the conscious choice to level up.
If no one is ever critical of you, it’s not necessarily doing you any favors. If anything, it can keep you suspended in a semi-delusional bubble of complacency.
Theory 5.
Ironically, rejection teaches me to be confident
When I’m rejected, I always learn that I’ll be okay if I get rejected.
This has the effect of making future attempts to put myself out there much easier because I know that, no matter what the outcome, I’ll be fine.
It inspires me to let go and go for it.
All in all
Learn to love it.
Learn not to take it personally.
And I know, I know — this is easier said than done.
I was rejected today (which is why I wanted to write this) for something I really wanted and it stung
So I guess you could say that these are my rationalizations and I’m sticking to them
