This Just In… REJECTED!!!
Thanks for tuning in! This week’s post features: Ignore Everybody by Hugh Macleod (book), The Importance of Revisiting Notebooks by Austin Kleon (blog), What I Learned From 100 Days of Rejection by Jia Jiang (ted talk) & more. Enjoy…
Book: Ignore Everybody by Hugh Macleod (159 pgs)
I like to think of myself as a fairly creative person. As a kid I used to draw a lot, sometimes I even wrote songs. As life went on and distractions became a factor I lost touch with my creative self. I started over-analyzing life and my analytical brain took over. This left me with little room for creativity. I thought and thoughts but hardly ever expressed myself. When you’re not enjoying life it’s hard to let your creative light shine. It took me a really long to relax, to allow life to unfold without judgment, to be comfortable with myself and my life situation, to stop caring about what others would think of my work. Once I entered this state I regained my creative spark. I started creating again.
Now that I was creating again I wanted to see if I could elevate my creativity, that is how I stumbled upon this book. This short little book covers 40 keys to creativity in about 2-hrs and it has great tips. Some of my favorites were:
- Nobody cares. Do it for yourself (tip #23)
- Don’t worry about finding inspiration it comes eventually (tip #25)
- Start blogging (tip #37)
I know I don’t blog about my creations, but I consider this blog a creation in it of itself. This medium allows me to have a platform to get the creative juices flowing. I find that when I am creating in one area my brain starts creating in other areas as well. If I start getting writer’s block, I try drawing. If I start getting drawer’s block I try writing. If all else fails, I stop everything and go for a walk. If you are trying to up your creative game, pick up this book.
If you are interested in seeing some of my other creations, I recently launched an Instagram page titled GittermanGraphics, check it out!
Blog Post: The Importance of Revisiting Notebooks by Austin Kleon (3 mins)
This is now my 21st post. So far, after every 10 weeks of posting, I take a break (this is when I offer the challenges). In that break, I like to review the topics I discussed in the last cycle. This helps me pay attention to what I am paying attention too. We pay so much attention to the external world that we have very little left to spend on our thoughts and feelings.
In order to help me pay even more attention to my internal world, I am “stealing” some of these systems. I encourage you to do the same.
There’s another huge benefit to this system. I haven’t made my mark on this world (yet) so this will act as the evidence that I truly lived until then. One day I want my kids and grandkids to see these posts and be able to connect with me just like my parents and grandparents are doing now while I am living away from home. This makes it easier for the people in my life today to see the process unfolding since they are with me on this journey. My kids won’t have that, they will only see the results. I hope that these writings will give them insights into my life if they are curious about it. This is a first-hand account of my story, of my come up. I would’ve loved to see something similar, something tangible from a few people. I would’ve loved to know what was going through my parents and grandparents minds at critical points in there live’s to see how they handled it. I wish I started this sooner because after only 22 weeks of this I see the benefits it offers and the vast room for improvement. I’m looking forward to writing, going back and reviewing, and taking new notes on the next 10 posts.
Ted Talk: What I Learned From 100 Days of Rejection by Jia Jiang (15 mins 32 secs)
I figure it is important to talk about rejection, specifically rejection therapy after last week’s challenge. I have to admit, because of the responses I feel a little bit rejected. I guess this is what I get for attempting to reject other people… But it’s all good because we have Jia here to help us get over our past rejections or our current fear of rejection.
Your fear of rejection is holding you back. Literally. You could have been given money if you weren't afraid of rejection. The only way to get over the fear of rejection is to get rejected. Get rejected over and over again like Jia did and after 100 days I guarantee you won’t fear rejection anymore. Embrace rejection and you will no longer fear rejection. Not only that, you might even learn how to limit your chance of rejection. I sure you can get rejected at your local bar, but if you’re not ready for that you can check out the list Jia created here.
Bonus: And The Winner Is…
I’m fascinated by this. Only 1 person sent me an email so they win by default. I checked the analytics and way more — over 20x more — than 1 person read the last post but only 1 person had the courage to send me something. I don’t think there is an easier way to make money than by free writing an email (if you know of one please send it to me). Unfortunately, the challenge is closed, but I would love to hear your thoughts on why you didn’t send me an email if you read the challenge. Send me an email and I promise I will respond to this one.
Rebekah sent me an email recommending a Ted Talk for me to watch and decided to donate to the IDF Lone Soldier Center. Thank you for taking part in the challenge.
Quote: “Rejection was my motivation, and failure is what taught me” — Pierce Brown
This quote resonates with me on a lot of levels. I never studying writing (I majored in finance), I am constantly learning what doesn’t work through failure and motivated by rejection or you guys telling me ideas that you don’t agree with something. I apply this to a lot of areas of my life, graphic design for instance like I mentioned above. Rejection is what makes me want to be better and failure is how I get better.
Recently, I started applying for jobs that I know are out of my league. Being rejected from these companies tells me I need to work harder. Since I know these companies are out of my league the rejection is expected so it doesn’t get me down but who knows, maybe I’ll end up with a great job. This is what I was attempting to give over with the challenge. You might not win but you might. No risk, high reward.
Now go out there and get rejected like you’re driving on Mutumbo!
What was your favorite bullet in this post? If you had to pick only one bullet to keep in this post what would it be and why and if you had to get rid of one what would it be and why? Send a message or comment below.
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To your growth! Stay curious…
P.S. If you want my notes for the book above, send me an email with the subject “Notes for (insert book name)” and I will happily share.
