I just got a new computer. For some reason, this new device feels the need to catapult me back to a time when I felt less than successful. Every time I go to create a new Google Doc (which is daily in my line of work), I open a new window and start typing in drive.google.com. And every time, a sting of emotion hits me as my new computer decides to populate a folder of past projects I’d worked on back in the day with a client who ultimately let me go.
The ending of that relationship was anything but contentious. In fact, he promised to hire me again should the need arise. Their strategy was shifting and they no longer needed the 8 blog posts a month I was cranking out for them.
Too often, habit kicks in, so without thinking I hit enter and the folder of past articles I wrote pops up. Suddenly, I’m eyes-to-screen with the well that ran dry overnight, catapulting me back to a time when I didn’t feel so hot about the work I was putting out into the world.
At first, when the folder would pop up multiple times a day, it felt like rejection. It felt like a failure.
But, if you know me, you know I’m a chronic pessimist. I like to reframe negative emotions whenever I can, and this was no exception. Every time I make the mistake of typing too quickly and that folder pops up, I actually celebrate it — having that contract end was one of the best things to happen to my career.
The reality is I hated the work. It was a slog. It was easy, but it was one of those jobs I had to really force myself to do.
The writing was boring.
The subject was D-U-L-L.
The client was lovely, but one of those overly professional types that you just knew a wild child was waiting underneath the skin and wished he would be a little more personal with you to liven up the tedious, dull work. But, no. Nada. No laughs. No smiles. All business, baby!
So often, rejection is a gift.
(Side note: Did anyone else have Garth Brooks’ famous line pop in your head when thinking through that concept of loving rejection? “One of God’s greatest gifts is unanswered prayers.”)
It’s the boyfriend who got away in high school, and you breathe a sigh of relief from that heartache when you see him again at the reunion.
It’s the client who you wished you could stop working for so you could pursue your dreams, but who you rely on or income so you feel stuck. Sometimes, you need that push out into the next best version of you.
It’s the pantry that doesn’t have the sweet treat you’re craving that stops you from overindulging and regretting it 0.5 seconds later.
Rejection is just the beginning of something greater for you. If you’re doubting that for yourself in this moment, consider this nugget from Noah Kagan:
And then also consider this follow-up comment from Mark Manson to hit this point home further:
I’ll say it again — rejection is a gift. When we reframe our mindset around what rejection looks like, feels like, and means about ourselves, we can embrace the gift and use it to fuel us into the next best thing.
I’ve written a book with three other outstanding women — Kristin Gudenkauf of Next Chapter Strategies, Mary Reiss Farias of Magnet Mindset, and wellness coach Casie Rendon. The book will be released on Enterpreneur’s Day 2023. GET EXCITED! We sure are.
The last section of the book is all about the topic of staying resilient in the face of adversity.
I write specifically about adopting a positive mindset in those moments. A mindset that embraces rejection as a sign that something greater awaits you at the next turn. A mindset that knows rejection isn’t the end, but instead, God saying, “No, not like that.” A mindset that rejection doesn’t mean you’ll never restock your pantry with chocolate chips you can muzzle down by the handful, but that treat doesn’t make you feel good today.
We’re doing fun weekly workshops and coffee chats leading up to the release of our book and would love to invite you inside. If you’re ready to discover your something greater and feel empowered by rejection, join us in this pop-up Facebook group.
And, if you’re ready to lean into the next stage of your business’s success, subscribe here to keep receiving these weekly doses of ideas and inspiration.
Because rejection is the beginning of something really cool waiting for you. There are opportunities in each “no,” hope in shifting your direction, and possibility when you pursue a business that feels above and beyond what you thought possible. If I’d been stuck with that same client who had seemingly rejected me (they really just shifted their strategy, but it felt like a rejection), I’d still be writing snoozefest articles and working with a client who didn’t see the value of personality…
… and that type of work is far from what a Roadpreneur strives to give their time to with this short, beautiful life just waiting to be lived to the full.