Fear of Rejection In the Face of Business

In the past year, I’ve deliberately spent more of my time and energy reading (or listening to) books.

I used to be an avid reader in my younger years, but when kids came along I found my time was taken up with everything else that reading became a chore.

A little over a year ago I decided it was time to reclaim my love of books and I started reading more motivational, business minded materials. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good fantasy or love story, but I wanted to get more out of my days by learning new skills that could help me grow my business.

The most recent book I listened to was Rejection Proof by Jai Jiang.

This was all about how Jia decided to spend 100 days seeking out rejections to help him improve his chances of success in the business world. We all know that rejection is a HUGE part of our lives, not just in business.

• Rejection from a dating partner
• Rejection from building new relationships or friendships
• Rejection from an audition or job interview
• Rejection to say what’s on our minds and not be ridiculed

If we take a look at all the rejections we’re afraid of, it stops us from living a really rich and wonderful life.

I’ve spent many many years not wanting to be visible. As a plus sized woman, I’ve been programmed to believe that “No one wants to see that” and I’ve intentionally hidden myself away from others, from opportunities and from sharing my knowledge with those who need it, because I couldn’t handle the possibility of being rejected over and over again.

And maybe there are people who “don’t want to see that,” but I’ve learned by putting myself out there more, I have found the people who DO want to see it and want to learn more about the things I have to teach and share.

I’ve been pretty fortunate to have such an amazing community of people behind me. I’m so fortunate to have been able to get past some of my own insecurities to share my knowledge and experiences with others.

And after reading this book, I realized that I’m still holding myself back from opportunities to grow.

So I’ve challenged myself to continue to do scary things. Things that I’ve already believed in my head that I’ll be rejected for so I can prove to myself that rejection doesn’t make me any less of a person or have any less value to give.

And I challenge you to do the same.?

First, if you haven’t ready Jia Jiang’s book, I highly recommend it. (He also documented all of his rejections on Youtube and his blog)

Second, make a list of at least 10 things that you’re scared of for fear of being rejected and start to imagine what kind of success or confidence you would get on the other side of that ask.

When you can look at rejection as not something to fear, but something to embrace - amazing things can happen.

I hope this gives food for thought.