People respond to rejection in different ways. Disappointment may be the most common initial reaction but it’s what actually stems from that emotion that varies. For instance, some cry when they’re disappointed, some quietly retreat to their safe space to be alone, while some tend to exhibit anger, aggression, and indignance. And all these are normal and expected.
The lesson is always there, though.
See, when you’re faced with refusal, you’ll eventually come to terms with the invariable fact that rejection is a normal part of life. It may take awhile but you’ll surely get there.
Accepting that truth will gradually lead you to respond better the next time you find yourself dealing with disappointments.
Caitlin Kirby, a post-doctoral researcher, had the most wonderful (and powerful) response to the rejection and disappointment she experienced throughout her years in school. No one knows for sure how many instances she cried, wallowed, and felt sorry for herself because what stood out most was her winning attitude.
She made a black and white skirt out of the rejection letters she received: scholarships, conferences, academic journals.
Talk about wearing your scars beautifully! Caitlin now takes pride in overcoming rejection and shares,
“The whole process of revisiting those old letters and making that skirt sort of reminded me that you have to apply to a lot of things to succeed. A natural part of the process is to get rejected along the way.”
The number of rejection letters she amassed shows just how relentless she is in pursuing what she truly wants.
Caitlin’s keep-going attitude will definitely inspire you to continue chasing your dreams, no matter how many bumps you experience along the way.
Julie Libarkin, professor of earth and environmental science and Caitlin’s adviser, shares the same sentiments. She emphasizes the value of accepting failure. As an educator, she believes it is essential for her students to get accustomed to applying for what they want and possibly facing rejection. The professor also persistently encourages them to chase any opportunity that comes their way.
Vincent Van Gogh once said,
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
Those words can perfectly sum up Caitlin’s reality. The small things she consistently pursued led to achievements such as winning a prestigious Fulbright grant for doing further research on agriculture in Germany, and learning even more as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Despite her triumphs, Caitlin isn’t stopping anytime soon. In fact, she jokingly says,
“I’m gearing up to receive a few more rejection letters along the way. Maybe I’ll make a longer skirt.”
Hers is truly an example worth following.
If you’ve been feeling dejected because of the many disappointments life continues to throw at you, turn things around in your favor by seeing each experience as a learning curve. It may be much easier said than done, but it’s sure worth a try isn’t it?
When you start training yourself to be more accepting of certain unchangeable circumstances, that’s when you can truly gear yourself up for better opportunities and bigger wins – incredible things that are waiting just around the corner.
Watch the video below and take your cue from Caitlin!
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