With rejection therapy, I’m kicking fear to the curb!
Rejection therapy is real and I’m living it right now! In her guest post, Dr. Nadia, shared the steps of rejection therapy in great detail and mentioned the challenge in progress in my Facebook group. #The100NoCollective is in full swing. That’s the catchy name we gave the challenge.
For me, this challenge is really scary. Yes, I’m a sales coach and I teach and train on this topic. But, it doesn’t prevent fear of rejection from surfacing for me. My emotions are overwhelming when it comes to stepping into phone conversations, specifically. I cannot stand to pick up that phone to face the person on the other end or their voice mail or their answering machine. I just can’t.
Thankfully, I know that rejection therapy builds my courage muscles and helps me grow beyond the limits of my fears. #PunIntended
Rejection therapy has taught me a few lessons:
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Fear is a liar.
Fear will try to convince you that no one wants to talk to you. It will also tell you that the “No” means you are not enough. I’m here to tell you that Fear is a liar! In fact, your ideal clients are always ready to hear from you, especially when you have something that will support them. I want you to know that the “No” you hear does not mean you are not enough. Those are feelings are related to an event that has happened in your life. Unpack the baggage, take note of the information the “No” gives you and keep it moving.
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Fear has limits.
Robin Sharma is one of my digital mentors. To quote him, “The fears we don’t face become our limits.” I’m just happy to know that fears actually have limits because with limits, I’m more than confident I can challenge them. And, I’m equally confident I can overcome those limits. I imagine that I’m on a track and fear is a hurdle. I’m preparing to leap over the next one and the next to reach the finish line. I tell myself what a great hurdler I am and I keep it moving.
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I am braver and stronger than rejection.
The more calls I make, the more courageous I’m becoming. and although I haven’t gotten a yes yet, I know I’m closer than before. With every “No,” tell yourself that you haven’t gotten to yes… “until now” to fuel your courage in anticipation of your next “Yes.” I’m ready for the “Yes!”
Listen, my son took me to see the movie Fences for Christmas last year. The movie was engaging, insightful and thought-provoking. The movie is the story of “a working-class African-American father trying to raise his family in the 1950s, while coming to terms with the events of his life.” I saw the theatrical version several years ago and I remember crying because of the emotions it stirred. I was so pleased to read that playwright August Wilson actually penned the screenplay before he passed away in 2005.
Rejection therapy involves mending fences
When the movie was over, my son turned to me. He said his father needed to see the movie so they can mend fences. Unfortunately, my son and his father have been estranged for most of his life. They met when he was 11 years old and the relationship was broken when my son was a teenager. As an adult, my son has attempted to have a positive relationship, but realizes there are some underlying issues that must be addressed by his father. Rejection no matter how it shows up, demands that you mend fences.
Fences are either built to prevent something from coming in or fences are built to keep something inside. Fear works in much the same way.
What does rejection therapy tell you about the fences in your life?
Wendy Y Bailey
WendyY Bailey is often called a Force of Nature and a trendsetter in the coaching industry and for good reason. With more than 20 years of experience, she brings fearless innovation and bold strategy to entrepreneurial leaders, coaches, speakers, trainers, and consultants across the globe serving clients across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Spain, and Italy. Affectionately known as “WendyY” by clients, business associates, and colleagues, she’s also lovingly called “Auntie” or “Mama Coach” for her signature blend of Southern charm, fierce wisdom, and deep coaching insight. That special mix helps her clients double, triple, even quintuple their bottomline profits. WendyY is an internationally recognized thought leader, award-winning coach, two-time bestselling author, and sought-after business mentor.
