Combining Grit and Handling Rejection: The Keys to Success - David May

Here are my thoughts on rejection and grit.

As frequently reported, there is a growing concern among Australian employers about a lack of resilience in their workforce. A lack ability to bounce back from setbacks, failure to respond positively to feedback and an inability to adapt to challenges are the traits of the post Covid workforce according to many employers.

Hand in hand with this increasing numbers of employees are reportedly struggling to cope with the increasing demands of their jobs, higher levels of stress, burnout, and disengagement. A 2023 report by the Australian Human Resources Institute found that nearly 40% of workers feel overwhelmed or stressed by their work.

About 98,000 Victorians received support through WorkCover in 2022-23 and close to 20% of these claims were mental health related. This has flowed through to a nearly 42% increase in the underlying cost of workers’ compensation in Victoria.

This lack of resilience can have serious consequences, not only for individual well-being but also for business productivity and morale. Companies are noticing higher absenteeism rates, lower employee satisfaction, and decreased overall performance.

Every story has two sides and there is another article coming on what employers can do to help support their employees with better health and well-being programs but the following is a focus on one skill we can teach ourselves, grit.

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Combining Grit and Handling Rejection: The Keys to Success

In the journey toward success, two traits stand out as crucial: grit and the ability to handle rejection. While grit drives persistence and resilience, the ability to manage rejection ensures that setbacks do not derail your progress.

The intersection of these two qualities forms the foundation of personal and professional achievement.

Understanding Grit

Grit, as defined by psychologist Angela Duckworth, is the combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. “Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” says Duckworth. This mindset is critical for those aiming to achieve great things over time. Duckworth's research reveals that individuals with high levels of grit are more likely to achieve their goals because they are not easily deterred by challenges or failures.

Dr. Paul Stoltz, an expert in resilience, further emphasizes that grit isn’t just about persistence; it’s also about resilience. “Grit is the ability to remain resilient in the face of significant challenges and to persevere toward goals even when progress seems slow”. Stoltz’s work in measuring and developing grit shows that it’s a learnable and developable trait that can significantly impact one’s ability to succeed.

The Role of Rejection in Success

Rejection is an inevitable part of any journey toward success. As a recruiter I must reject people for job opportunities all the time. It is an awful part of the role, but reassuring people rejection is not personal is key. Whether it’s a declined job application, a failed project, or being overlooked for promotion, rejection can feel like a personal blow. However, it’s essential to recognise that rejection is not a reflection of your worth.

According to author Seth Godin on the importance of reframing rejection: “Rejection is not failure. It is the opportunity to develop perseverance and to demonstrate grit. Those who succeed are not the ones who avoid rejection, but the ones who refuse to be defined by it.”

Dr. Brene Brown, a research professor and expert on vulnerability, courage, and empathy, adds,

“Rejection can be one of the most painful experiences, but it’s also where we find our greatest capacity for courage and resilience. It’s in the moments of rejection that we have the opportunity to grow stronger and more determined.”

The Intersection of Grit and Handling Rejection

When combined, grit and the ability to handle rejection can be powerful. Grit enables you to keep pushing forward towards your goal and positively handling rejection helps you to bounce back quickly, maintaining your momentum.

Again from Duckworth, “Grit is about having the stamina to stay the course, but it’s also about how you react to the inevitable failures along the way. Those who master both are the ones who ultimately achieve their goals.”

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, echoes this sentiment, emphasising that rejection is a natural part of any growth process. “The road to success is littered with rejections. What separates those who succeed from those who don’t is the ability to view rejection not as a failure, but as a necessary step in the journey.

Grit is what keeps you moving forward after each ‘no’.”

My first sales manager who nobody has heard of (for good reason) and business leader Simon Sinek both have the opinion that in any endeavour, you’re going to hear ‘no’ more than ‘yes.’ Being resilient and persistent is remembering every ‘no’ brings you one step closer to a ‘yes.’

Sick of researching more articles I asked ChatGPT what are: Practical Steps to Cultivate Grit and Handle Rejection. It actually summed this up quite well.

1. Set Clear, Long-Term Goals: Establishing a clear vision for what you want to achieve helps build the passion and perseverance needed for grit. Break down these goals into smaller, manageable steps to maintain focus and momentum.
2. Reframe Rejection: Instead of viewing rejection as a failure, see it as feedback. What can you learn from this experience? How can you improve? This shift in perspective makes rejection a tool for growth rather than a roadblock.
3. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who encourage resilience and grit. A strong support system can help you navigate rejection by providing perspective, encouragement, and advice.
4. Practice Resilience: Like any skill, resilience can be developed. Start with small challenges and build your capacity to handle rejection over time. Celebrate your perseverance and learn from every experience.
5. Stay Committed: Grit involves a long-term commitment to your goals. Even when faced with rejection, remind yourself why you started and keep pushing forward. The road to success is rarely smooth, but it’s the persistence that counts.