Im not in the writing or consulting or coaching or audio or video businesses. Im in the rejection business, and this is precisely what I need to acknowledge and to form my activities around. Granted, it's an unusual viewpoint, but I believe it is more servicable, in the long run. Actually, when I think about it, I can see Im quite good at eliciting rejections, and this is why finally, Im starting to focus on them. For example, I know for a fact that a vast percentage of the book proposals I submit to editors will be rejected. Yet, in light of this fact, why do I count my acceptances, when relatively speaking, there are so few? It doesnt make sense from a reinforcement standpoint, does it? Were all creatures of gratification, so if I seek rejections, and I get a good share, Ill feel gratified because my goals will match my experiences. But if I go after approvals, endorsements, yeses, then Im sure to be disappointed, right? There are so few of them that it makes no sense to tether my self-esteem to such ephemera. Better to hinge my jollies to the nos. And if I get enough of them, Im sure to be disappointed by a few yeses, as well! |
