A Training Session that Taught Me
How often do you deal with rejection? How often do you step out of your comfort zone and face your fears? I just returned from an amazing Mastermind Retreat where I gained a giant boost of confidence, got clarity on my purpose, and learned a few things about facing my fears and embracing my worthiness. It reminded me of something else I’ve experienced that I wanted to share with you.
Not very long ago, I had a wonderful opportunity to join a nationwide call and lead a training session for my business in front of a very large audience. It was such an honor! This training session actually ended up teaching me a couple things.
First and foremost, I realized how much I missed teaching. I certainly got my teaching fix by leading this session! Most importantly, though, I learned that I’m capable of overcoming my fears. I was truly honored, but honestly so intimidated, leading up to it. When it was over, I realized that it’s ok to step out of my comfort zone and do something I didn’t know I could do.
Make Yourself Unstoppable
Much of what I covered during this call had to do with the nuts and bolts of the direct marketing business I’m in. I do love training on that and helping others succeed, but the part I loved most was talking to these fellow entrepreneurs about believing in themselves. This is something I’m so passionate about. I discussed overcoming doubt and insecurities and stepping into their calling.
A huge part of succeeding in both business and life is overcoming your fear of rejection. Rejection can happen in any aspect of life. The opposite of fearing rejection is making yourself unstoppable. It took me years to get to this place where I truly feel unstoppable in the face of rejection, and I plan to continue improving upon it as the years go by. The following are some truths I’ve practiced in order to gain the confidence to overcome rejection and become unstoppable.
1. Become Your Own Cheerleader
I always joke that I was a cheerleader coming out of my mother’s womb. I love cheering other people on and encouraging them. It’s not only important to be a cheerleader for others though; it’s most crucial to be your OWN cheerleader. Be your own biggest fan in a humble way. If you’re having trouble overcoming your fear of rejection, make a list of your strengths and ways you can succeed and cheer yourself on. I guarantee it will boost your confidence and help you overcome that fear.
2. Strengthen Your Rejection Muscles
I love working out in the physical sense, but I also love strengthening my “rejection muscles.” I know rejection is going to be a part of this world, so it’s important to strengthen yourself mentally to face it. Know and understand that you will face those who don’t see the world the same way you do. It’s part of life. Accept it, and move on!
3. Embrace Your Imperfect Self
This phrase finds its way into many of my posts, but it’s so applicable to almost any topic of conversation. No one is perfect. Repeat it to yourself…no one is perfect! Sometimes it seems we are always waiting for things to line up in our life so that everything is perfect before making a move, but the truth of the matter is, nothing will EVER be perfect. You are setting yourself up for the impossible if you expect perfection. If you realize quickly and early on that nothing in life is perfect – including yourself – you can easily move past rejections.
4. It’s Not About You
Were you ever bullied as a child? Or do you have a child who has been bullied? Something I always told my sons if they had trouble with a classmate was that your classmate has a problem with himself, not with you. If you’re facing rejection, it’s so important to detach yourself from the emotion that there’s something wrong with you. Haters will hate. People will always find something to be jealous of or threatened by. In my industry, sometimes people simply don’t want what you have to offer, and that’s ok. It’s not about you! Detach yourself from that mentality and just know it’s part of the game.
5. Replace the Lie with a Truth
If someone says something that hurts you, always be prepared to replace that lie with a truth. Reaffirm to yourself that you are worthy and better than that. Don’t only tell yourself that truth, but believe it! Say in your head that you are enough, you are uniquely made, and you are one of a kind. When you can do that, you will no doubt become an unstoppable force.
6. Be Unapologetically You
There’s an old saying by Dr. Seuss that goes “be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” I am who I am and you can take it or leave it. I know I’m not perfect – there are always things I can improve upon within myself – but I will not apologize for who I am. You shouldn’t either!
Pay It Forward
As you can see, this little training session I did was very impactful for me. These lessons were all taught to me at one time or another, so in this pay-it-forward kind of world, I’m happy to pass them on to you. Do you know someone who is struggling with rejection? Do you think they could be blessed with these words of encouragement? If so, tag them or share this with them. We could ALL use these reminders of how to overcome our fear of rejection to better ourselves.