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Why you should set rejection targets?

No, it’s not obvious

It was rejected by 12 major publishers before Harry Potter became a success.

Walt Disney is a name synonymous with magic and imagination. Long before he became an icon of the entertainment industry, Disney faced countless rejections. Legend has it that his very first animation company went bankrupt. Undeterred, he packed his bags and headed to Hollywood, only to be met with doors slammed shut in his face. But did he throw in the towel? Oh no! He strapped on his Mickey Mouse ears and kept on dreaming.

“The Oprah Winfrey Show,” is the highest-rated television program of its kind in history. Before becoming the media mogul and cultural icon we know today, Oprah Winfrey endured a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty and abuse. As a young journalist, she faced setbacks and discrimination in the male-dominated industry.

Rejection is redirection.

I applied to 100+ jobs as an international student in the US. 15 interview callbacks and 3 job offers. I landed a job with all my requirements and exceeded my expectations. But guess what, I set a target of being rejected and applied to even those jobs that met only 30–40% of my skill set and experience.

I saw the power of this mindset shift firsthand.

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Why should you set rejection targets?

But why, you ask, should you willingly subject yourself to rejection?

Ah, my friend, because behind every rejection lies a golden opportunity for growth and learning. By setting rejection targets, you’re not just inviting rejection into your life; you’re rolling out the red carpet and welcoming it with open arms!

1. Normalization of Rejection: By setting rejection targets, you shift your mindset from fearing rejection to embracing it as a natural part of the process. This helps to normalize rejection and reduces the emotional impact it has on you. Instead of viewing rejection as a failure, you see it as a necessary step toward success.
2. Desensitization: Exposing yourself to rejection regularly helps desensitize you to its effects. Over time, you become more resilient and better equipped to handle rejection with grace and resilience. This resilience is invaluable in facing future challenges and setbacks.
3. Learning and Growth: Each rejection provides an opportunity for learning and growth. By setting targets for rejection, you actively seek out opportunities to push yourself outside your comfort zone, experiment with new ideas, and learn from your experiences. This iterative process fosters continuous improvement and development.

Who can set rejection targets?

EVERYONE 😁

Here are a few ideas:

• Sales Superstar: Meet Sarah, who doesn’t cringe to reach out fearlessly. She is on a mission to conquer the business world, one rejection at a time! With her rejection targets set sky-high, she actively reaches out to prospects, makes cold calls, sends emails, or attends networking events intending to generate leads and opportunities.

Sure, some say no, but Sarah? She just sees it as one step closer to that big, fat YES!

• Startup Samurai: Enter Alex, the fearless entrepreneur with dreams of building the next big thing. Armed with their rejection targets, they march into the lion’s den of investors, pitches polished and confidence soaring. Rejection? It’s just a stepping stone on the path to startup stardom for Alex!

They understand that rejection is a natural part of the fundraising process and use it as an opportunity to refine their pitch, address feedback, and build resilience.

• Creative Connoisseur: Say hello to Mia, the artistic visionary with dreams of seeing her work in light. A writer aiming to get published sets a target to receive a certain number of rejection letters from literary agents or publishing houses. She submits manuscripts to literary agents or publishers, enters writing contests, or pitches articles to magazines or online publications.

Rejection letters? Mia collects them like badges of honor, knowing that each one brings her closer to her moment in the spotlight.

How can you set rejection targets?

1. Define Your Goals: Start by clarifying your goals and objectives. What are you trying to achieve, and what actions do you need to take to get there? Setting clear goals gives you a sense of direction and purpose.
2. Identify Opportunities for Rejection: Determine the activities or endeavors that are likely to result in rejection. This could include pitching your business idea to investors, submitting your work for publication, or asking for feedback from peers or mentors.
3. Set Specific Targets: Establish concrete targets for the number of rejections you aim to receive within a certain timeframe. Make these targets specific, measurable, and achievable. For example, aim to receive 10 rejections from potential clients in a month.
4. Track Your Progress: Keep track of your rejections and monitor your progress toward your targets. This could involve maintaining a rejection log or using a tracking tool to record your efforts and outcomes. Tracking your progress allows you to assess your performance and adjust your approach.
5. Reflect and Learn: After each rejection, reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can improve. Consider what went well, what could have been done differently, and what insights you can apply to future endeavors. Embrace each rejection as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone toward success.

This year, don’t set acceptance and success targets. Set rejection targets and see the difference.