Is rejection redirection?

when to keep pushing and when to redirect

Often times, I heard the phrase “rejection is redirection” used as a means to motivate oneself to try something different while we still can. To not get discouraged because when one door is closed, there surely must be another one that will open. I used to strongly feel that way as well and I still do sometimes. But…what if I don’t want to redirect this time?

When the path you chose for yourself doesn’t seem to workout, it can be a bit discouraging especially when you had a fixation on a certain outcome. I think that’s where the redirection lies sometimes. Not necessarily in the path that you’ve chosen, but in redirecting your goals or rather letting go of a specific expectation.

"A still from MaXXXine because, after several rejections, Maxine continued to pursue her career goals and ultimately succeeded—though the cost is debatable.

I say this because “rejection is redirection” led me to give up on so many goals, or projects that I took on (at the first sign of defeat/failure/rejection)- leaving me with several incomplete works. This only led to a feeling of overwhelm and incompetency. I know these are harsh words but I deluded myself into not giving every project I took on, my all, convinced that if it doesn't' work out instantly- then it wasn’t the right idea. And on to the next. This endless cycle ends now.

Yes, in some cases rejection can be redirection towards a completely different path. But what if rejection is also a redirection in our approach towards the same goals? A difference in motivating factors and our reason for pursuing them?

The thought dawned on me when I realized that for most of the little things I’ve achieved success in, it took me trying at least 3-5 times before finally reaching ‘success’ in them. For other endeavours, it might take longer or lesser time. The choice to move on to the next project or not depends on a variety of factors but what I can say is if your heart calls you to something- even if you didn’t achieve instant success, keep trying until you either succeed or land on a different opportunity in the process.

This is my fist substack essays, and here’s to many more ✨. Would love to hear your thoughts on facing and handling rejections. Thank you for reading/listening ^.^ - marianne