Overcoming Rejection: How One Man's Message Inspired a Movement

Rejection is a bitter pill to swallow. No one likes to feel unloved, unwanted, or unworthy. We all experience rejections at some point in our lives- job applications, relationship offers, college admission, and the like. For some, these setbacks can lead to depression, anxiety, or self-doubt. Nonetheless, there is a way to turn these stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

In 2020, Jia Jiang, a Chinese entrepreneur and motivational speaker, sparked a movement on the internet that caught the attention of thousands of people. Jiang started the 100 Days of Rejection Challenge, where he made a commitment to himself to seek rejection for 100 days straight to conquer his fear of rejection.

It begins with a question: what if I kept asking for what I wanted, and never took the stumbling block given to me as a flat 'No'?

Jiang's social media videos ranged from mundane requests like asking for a burger refill or borrowing five dollars from strangers to hilarious ones, like asking a police officer to let him ride in his patrol car. He compiled all his videos on his website fearbuster.com intending to demonstrate that embracing rejection could be empowering instead of being paralyzing.

Perhaps Jiang inherently knew the statistical side of this as shown by recent research.

According to a study led by Cornell University researchers that involved using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines to capture participants' brain activity when they learned whether a person liked or disliked them, social rejection hurts the same types of brain centers like headaches.Embracing Rejection might just be what self-help experts have been pushing forward the whole time.

The end game is that either way no matter WHAT you're asking for and WHO you're asking from, rejection is usually a victory of sort.

So, how can Jia Jiang's message inspire you to overcome rejection?

First off, his story counters society's misconception that rejection equates to failure. On the other hand, Jiang challenges us not to give up on asking the very next time around. It means practising bravery; while it poses endless opportunities for growth and innovation.

In conclusion, failing forward, even celebrating failures, transforms the entire scenario of rejection to be viewed as a boost to personal success. Overcoming rejection involves developing confidence, adapting to uncertainty, and systemizing support systems. These attributes are necessary not only for our overall well-being but also for any negotiation strategy you adopt, whether you're starting a business, amid a mid-career shift or making deals.

Now go out...and get rejected!

Rejection is inevitable in life, but it doesn't have to define or defeat us. The story of Jia Jiang and his 100 Days of Rejection inspires us to not only face rejection head-on but also embrace the possibilities that come with it. Through overcoming rejection, we can learn, grow, and ultimately achieve our goals. If you're struggling with rejection, remind yourself that it's a temporary setback and an opportunity for growth. Keep pushing forward, and remember, no doesn't always mean never.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of exploring the power of overcoming rejection. We hope that Jia's story has been impactful and motivating for you. Remember, by embracing challenges and overcoming obstacles, you too can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Keep pushing forward, and don't let rejection hold you back!