Handling rejection: why hearing NO is a good thing!
Creative work is deeply personal, so hearing ‘no’ can often feel so personal. But what if you could reframe that experience and use it as a tool for growth? In Season 3, Episode 3 we explore why rejection is not just inevitable but a necessary part of your creative journey.
Understanding the Psychology of Rejection
Rejection can trigger self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and fear of failure. For many creatives, the work they produce feels like an extension of themselves, so it’s no surprise that rejection stings. However, understanding the psychology behind rejection is crucial. By acknowledging how rejection impacts us, we can reframe it as a stepping stone rather than a setback.
When you see rejection as a natural part of the creative process, you give yourself the chance to build resilience and develop a healthier mindset. Rejection doesn’t have to derail your journey; it can be a powerful catalyst for refining your craft, improving your practices, and ultimately achieving your goals.
Embracing Rejection: My Personal Story
I’ve faced rejection plenty of times in my career! Any entrepreneur, small business owner or creative freelancer has heard no plenty more times than yes (especially early on).
One particularly significant moment was when I pitched an article to one of my favourite publications. At that time, I was transitioning from journalism into freelance writing and photography. I was rejected twice by this publication for two different stories, and it was crushing. What were other writers and photographers doing that I wasn’t? I remember thinking that perhaps it was just me – perhaps there was something about me the editor didn’t like, or I wasn’t ‘rural’ enough.
But instead of letting that "no" stop me, I took a step back and analysed my approach. I realised that I hadn’t fully understood their audience, nor had I read enough of their articles to tailor my pitch effectively. So, I set a goal for myself: rather than being fixated on getting published in that magazine, I would create beautiful work that was so irresistible and aligned, that eventually they would come to me.
Over the next six to ten months, I worked on getting published in smaller publications, honing my skills, and developing my unique voice. Within that time frame, I was published in that magazine in a minor way. Then, six months later, I was approached to contribute more frequently. If I hadn’t taken that initial rejection as a learning experience, I might not have reached that goal.
How to Reframe Rejection
Rejection can be an opportunity to redefine what you want to achieve and how you approach your creative business. Here are some strategies to help you navigate and grow from rejection:
View Every "No" as a Learning Experience: Instead of seeing rejection as a reflection of your talent, see it as an opportunity to refine your skills. Ask yourself what you could have done differently. This mindset shift allows you to adapt your strategies for future success.
Build a Support Network: It’s essential to have people in your corner. Whether it's through a mentor, a community group like The Creative’s Toolkit Facebook group, or collaborations with other creatives, having a support system can provide invaluable feedback and encouragement. Connecting with others who have faced similar experiences helps you gain perspective and insight.
Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Small Wins: Establish smaller, attainable goals that build up to your larger aspirations. For instance, if your goal is to get published in a national magazine, start with local publications. Celebrate each small victory because every step forward is progress.
Practice Self-Reflection: Journaling can be a powerful tool for tracking your progress. It allows you to identify your strengths, note areas for improvement, and reflect on your growth. Journaling daily or weekly can help you maintain clarity and focus on your journey.
Maintain an Optimistic Mindset: While it’s important not to force a “toxic positivity” approach, it’s valuable to find one positive takeaway from each setback. Ask yourself: What is one lesson I’ve learned from this? Or, what is one thing I can be grateful for today? This practice helps shift your mindset, allowing you to face challenges with resilience.
A Pivotal Moment in My Journey
Reflecting on my own experiences, there was a three-year gap between my initial rejection and my eventual publication in that same magazine. During that time, I honed my skills, built confidence, and diversified my creative work. Photography became a passion that surprised me—I was initially an illustrator and writer, but I discovered that storytelling through images could be just as powerful.
By taking a setback and turning it into an opportunity for growth, I developed not only as a writer but also as a visual storyteller. The confidence I gained through this process helped me create work that resonated with larger audiences and ultimately led to opportunities I hadn’t even imagined.
Practical Tips for Building Confidence and Embracing Rejection
Journal Your Experiences: Reflect on your setbacks, noting what you’ve learned and how you can use those lessons to move forward.
Seek Out Creative Communities + Role Models: Join groups like The Creative’s Toolkit where you can connect with other creatives, share experiences, and gain support and feedback. Think about who is in your creative network steps ahead of you, who might be able to offer support.
Set Realistic Goals: If you’re aiming for a big achievement, break it down into smaller steps. For example, if your goal is to get featured on a major brand’s Instagram, start with local businesses or smaller online platforms. Each step forward is a victory.
Practice Gratitude: Find something to be grateful for every day, even if it’s small. This practice will help you build resilience and maintain a positive perspective, even when faced with challenges.
Surround Yourself with Supportive Voices: Whether it’s through podcasts like the Courageous Creatives Podcast or other creators sharing their journeys, seek inspiration from those who have walked similar paths. Remember, the creative community is here to lift you up.
Final Thoughts
Rejection is part of the journey, not the end of it. What is meant for you will never miss you—every "no" can be a "not yet." Embrace the opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. If today’s blog resonates with you and you’re looking for further support, connect with me on Instagram or join The Creative’s Toolkit Facebook group. Let’s transform those setbacks into stepping stones, together.
