Do you have challenges dealing with rejection? Then use Jia Jiang’s book to become “rejection proof.”

Jiang is the founder of the popular blog and video series 100 Days of Rejection. He wrote Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection in 2015. However, I first learned about it the last month at the Toastmasters International convention. It was at the convention that Toastmasters honored Jiang with the prestigious annual Golden Gavel award.

For those not familiar with Toastmasters, it’s the premier organization for helping people improve their communication and leadership skills. Learn more about the organization and the many benefits of membership at www.toastmasters.org.

 

What is the Golden Gavel Award and Why Was it Awarded to Jiang?

According to the Toastmasters International website:

“Toastmasters’ most prestigious award, the Golden Gavel, has been presented annually since 1959 to an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership.

Toastmasters International has named Jia Jiang its 2019 Golden Gavel recipient for his leadership in the field of rejection therapy. The award recognizes Jiang’s extensive influence in encouraging individuals and organizations to become fearless.”

Read more about Jiang and the award at https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2019-international-convention/golden-gavel.

Each year, the recipient of this award gives a keynote address at a luncheon during the convention. Jiang’s speech was so intriguing that I took a page full of notes. Then I eagerly waited in line to meet him in person and have him sign my copy of his book.

After the convention, I dove into reading. His story was riveting, and the book was a true page-turner. I kept wondering what direction his life would take next as a result of this “experiment.”

As someone who has experienced plenty of rejection while working as a salesperson and now as business owner, the book resonated deeply with me. That’s why I wanted to share it with you. My goal is to use Jia Jiang’s book to become rejection proof.

 

My Key Takeaways

  • Rejection is simply a human interaction, and each rejection is an opinion, nothing more or less. Too often we become easily discouraged when rejected. Instead, we can think of it as a gift – a chance to go back to the drawing board and try again.
  • When rejected, ask the person why they rejected what you proposed. Jiang found that by doing this, he learned how to change his approach, better target his audience, and much more.
  • When you are the one doing the rejecting, show patience and respect. Be direct with the person and offer alternatives, if possible.
  • Just ask! Too often, because we fear rejection, we lose out on opportunities in business and the rest of life because we are afraid to ask.
  • Avoid being attached to the outcome. One of my favorite stories is about his experience helping his wife to land a job at Google. They believe that, because neither of them, especially her, were attached to the outcome, she was ultimately successful in her quest.
  • It’s not personal. Detaching from the outcome is easier if you remember that you are not being rejected as a human being. Rather, the person is rejecting your proposal or project.

 

How About You?

Have you encountered an author whose message especially spoke to you? How have you applied that message to your life?

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 45 and up, become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. She provides social media tutoring and training to business owners, business development professionals, authors, speakers, coaches, business consultants, job seekers, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.