From Rejection to Resilience: Personal Stories That Transformed My Interview Approach
“It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” — Vince Lombardi
Rejection. It’s a word that carries a heavy sting, especially when it comes to job interviews. Many of us have felt the blow of a promising opportunity slipping away, leaving us to grapple with self-doubt and insecurity. But what if I told you that rejection could be the stepping stone to resilience?
The Science of Motivation
Motivation, at its core, is like a chemical reaction inside our brain. Diving into the science, we find that dopamine, often dubbed the “feel-good hormone,” plays a pivotal role. Dopamine is released when we anticipate rewards, giving us the zest required to push through challenges. However, the valleys of life, such as facing rejection, can momentarily tamper with this delicate balance.
At a certain point in my career, a series of rejections had me questioning my worth. It was then that I stumbled upon the words of Dr. Carol Dweck: “Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better?” This quote became my beacon, urging me to adopt a growth mindset.
Stories That Inspire Change
Let’s face it—interviews can feel like a world of scrutiny. But stories of resilience have taught me otherwise. Consider Thomas Edison, who after countless failures famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Edison’s resilience inspired me to view each interview not as a test of adequacy, but as a chance to learn and adapt.
Another story that deeply touched me was J.K. Rowling’s. Before ‘Harry Potter’ took off, Rowling faced numerous rejections—12 publishers to be exact. Yet, she remained undeterred. Her journey teaches us that resilience is not about attaining success on the first try, but persisting until success finds you.
Combining Science with Spirituality
Spirituality often intersects with motivation by providing inner peace and direction. Meditation, for instance, harmonizes the mind and balances dopamine. It offers clarity and a sense of resilience during moments of doubt. Through daily meditation, I learned to view each interview not merely as an assessment but as an opportunity to communicate my authentic self.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius
Transforming the Interview Approach
Armed with science, motivation, and spirituality, I revised my interview approach. I began seeing rejections not as setbacks but as setups for something greater. With each interview, I practiced mindfulness, embraced feedback, and continually adjusted my strategy.
In closing, turning rejection into resilience is not an overnight endeavor, but an ongoing journey. To anyone facing rejections of their own, remember, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
Transform your setbacks into comebacks, and remain resilient.
Download our App for daily motivation and inspiration.