Rejected: Tales of the Failed, Dumped and Canceled

I ordered this book based on the title alone.

When I started coaching, most of my clients were writers. While we face more rejection than many people, everyone on the planet has to deal with it.

(And it's not like being a musician, dancer, actor or model where you have to take the rejection in person and thank them for the opportunity rather than slump into a heap on the stage and weep openly).

I've only dipped into this book so far (am looking forward to reading it properly soon) but it's very entertaining. Many of the contributors are comedy writers.

And I imagine writing about their humiliation brought its own healing.

Next time you're in a situation where you feel rejected, distance yourself from it a little. Instead of allowing yourself to feel all the pain before you're ready, ask yourself how you might spin it for a laugh as you tell your partner / friend / mum later on.

Then remember whatever it was you set out to do (get a job that pays well and feels fulfilling / get published / onstage etc.) and keep going.

Keep seeking and applying for every possible opportunity. Build up those rejection muscles and let them make you stronger.

© Eve Menezes Cunningham / www.applecoaching.com 2009.