The Blessing of Rejection

Happy Tuesday #Jontourage,

Welcome back to the “Classy Gent Chronicles”, where staying classy is the only way to be.  Let's jump right into it....

I wanted to share some inspiration with you all about my own day.  Before I begin with my story, I will openly state I have been BLESSED being an author.  As I have previously shared, I have sold hundreds of books, appeared in magazines, websites, and on radio.  I have gotten to travel to schools to speak with students about personal branding, self-esteem, writing, and more.  I even have an upcoming television appearance with Fox 5 DC News.   Usually I post my good news about my book but yesterday was the best blessing in disguise.   I WAS REJECTED BY FOUR BOOKSTORES.  Here were some of the phrases told to me yesterday when I got rejected:

“Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate your request but encourage you to approach other locations.”

“Although we are declining your event, please feel free to reach out to other locations.”

“We cannot offer you an event here; still, we wish you great luck with touring MASTER OF CEREMONIES.”
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“This location does not book events at the store level.  Best of luck with Master of Ceremonies!”

I’m sure some of you wonder, “how is getting rejected a blessing?”  Let me tell you why.  When you get rejected from something, your next step is now closer than it was yesterday.  The old me would be sad that I got rejected from those book stores appearances but the new me learned to "study my losses".  There was a reason bookstores did not choose me to come in.

I prayed that I could learn where my mistakes were so I emailed those stores back to see what advice they had to improve my chances. When you email a busy place, I always assume it may be a while to get a response if they write you back at all.  Luckily, one of the bookstores wrote me a whole detailed email on how I can increase my marketing and chances to get more bookstore appearances. 
 
The day gets better.  After I faced my fears and reached out to get more information about where I went wrong, I am talking to my friend and I get a new opportunity.  Her father is the pastor of a church who is wants me to come in and speak.  He is even collecting an offer to compensate me. 

I share this not to brag but to encourage you all to "study your losses". If you fail a test go back and learn why you got that question wrong. If you didn't get picked for an opportunity, go back and find out why.  If your relationship did not work, find out where things went wrong.  The last thing you want to happen is to keep be affected by the same mistakes. Rejection can hurt but it will only make you better in the end.  Growing up, I hated feedback because I didn’t know how to handle it.  As you get older, you realize feedback and rejection is a part of life.  

Moral of the story:  Everyone won’t see you or your efforts as a five star thing.  However, anyone is willing to take the time to help you grow by rejecting you or correcting you is in reality trying to help you.  Stay strong

Remember, in order to live out your dreams, you have to think it, feel it, live it!  Until next time, stay classy...