Kim Kelley Thompson
Ever been rejected? Ever hear, “Sorry you’re (its) just not what we’re looking for.” Or have you cleverly disguised the No as being “political”. I have. After all, labeling it as “political” was far easier to accept then taking full responsibility that perhaps I didn’t give my all.
Long ago I learned a trick that helps me kick rejection to the curb and become accountable for my actions. Over the years, it has helped me jumpstart the confidence necessary to pursue my dreams. I consider this as necessary to life as water because no matter how many of your dreams you realize, there will always be moments of rejection, it’s simply a part of growth.
I believe that each of us has something we are passionate about, something that we enjoy doing so much, that we can completely lose ourselves in it. You’ve probably experienced this for yourself. But then there’s either that nagging, little voice of self doubt that may say “seriously give it up, that’s not who you are.” Or, ‘really that’s been done.” Or, “You don’t have time for that, you have a family and responsibilities, you can’t do that now.” Or a myriad of other excuses.
Yet, in our quiet moments, that passion rises up and stirs our soul, it whispers to us, I’m still here, please don’t let me go.” It speaks softly at first, growing a bit louder with each passing year. It may show up as frustration or sickness. But, make no mistake, it will not leave, certainly not without our permission. Yes, it will persist, determined to get our attention. To make us wake up, until we realize that the pain of not pursuing our passions is far greater than the fear of doing so.
I find it fascinating that this quiet voice that wants so desperately to be heard, that wants to help us fulfill our dream, has so much determination, that it will try any means possible to get our attention. Why then, are so many of us so stubborn? Why do we try to walk away using excuse after excuse couched in reasoning or practicality. If our own inner being has such tenacity, why then wouldn’t we?
I choose to believe in persistence, faith, and focus. Early in my sales career, I learned a little trick to help push rejection aside, although not without feeling its sting! But in order to get back on track before those fears close in, I write out a list of people who have blasted though rejection and gone on to live their passion. Here’s a sampling of one of my lists, perhaps it will help you as well.
8 influential people who found the confidence to pursue their dreams
1.) Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team for not being good enough.
2.) Tim Ferriss sent his breakthrough New York Times bestselling book 4 Hour Workweek to 25 publishers before it was accepted.
3.) J. K Rowling was nearly penniless, depressed, divorced, and a single mom, who went to school while writing Harry Potter. Rowling went from needing government assistance to being one of the richest women in the world in just a 5-year span through her determination, focus, and persistence.
4.) Walt Disney went bankrupt after failing at several businesses. In fact, Disney was fired from a newspaper for lacking imagination and good ideas.
5.) Albert Einstein was thought to be mentally impaired before changing the face of modern physics and winning the Nobel Prize.
6.) It took Thomas Edison 1,000 attempts before inventing the light bulb. It has been reported that Edison was told by his teachers that he was too stupid to learn.
7. ) Dubbed the King of Horror, author Stephen King’s first bestseller, Carrie, was initially rejected by 30 publishers.
8.) Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen’s popular series of inspirational stories, Chicken Soup for the Soul faced 144 rejections. Yet, the book became a best-seller, and then a series, and now a multi-armed franchise… that actually sells soup.
I’m a firm believer that our struggles build self-confidence, and self-confidence moves mountains.
Walter Bond on gaining the confidence to pursue dreams regardless of adversity
Walter Bond on never giving up:
