As a blogger, I get a lot of fantastic opportunities that come my way. I get to work with brands, go on trips and get paid to do something I really, really love. But there are also times I get passed up for an opportunity. I get a NO and no matter how long I’ve been doing this, it still stings.
My Latest Big ‘NO’
There was this one campaign (that’s blogger talk for a paid gig) that I wanted so badly. The pay was good. There was a trip involved. Plus, it was a brand I loved and used everyday. So when I was told I was in the running after narrowing it down from a huge list of bloggers, I just knew I would get it. I honestly felt I was the perfect fit. In my mind I was already getting excited about the trip, planning some posts and videos in my head – basically getting ahead of myself. I am an F on the strength finders test after all. Always looking ahead.
But I didn’t get it. I didn’t even receive an email telling me I didn’t get it. I found out on Twitter where all good news is shared. (Sarcasm) So what did I do next? Did I put on my big girl pants, forget about it and say ‘Next!’? I wish.
Nope, instead I became a tad bit obsessive compulsive and even border line stalker-like. Meaning, I used social media to see who the brand had recently followed (a little stalker trick for you…you’re welcome) and were interacting with. I figured out who was chosen. I visited their blogs to compare to mine. I typed up an email to the person in charge of the campaign asking if she could give me guidance as to why I wasn’t chosen and if there’s anything I could change/do better for future opportunities. But before I hit send, I said out loud ‘Julie Anne Bonner you are being ridiculous! Grow up and move on!‘ I knew when I used my full name I was dead serious.
Why I am putting this all out there? Because I know I’m not the only one who gets a no and then feels like a failure. I know I’m not the only one who lets it stir inside of me and dwells on it way too long. I know I’m not the only one who gets so discouraged they feel like giving up. And I really know I’m not the only one who uses social media as a means to stalk. 😀 Anyway, here’s what I’m trying to convey…
A NO DOES NOT MEAN FAILURE
A no can simply mean not right now.
A no can simply mean you weren’t quite right for this, but you’ll be perfect for this.
A no can simply mean there’s something bigger out there for you. Just wait for it.
A no can simply mean there are some things I should work on to get a yes.
A no can simply mean no and sometimes there’s no good reason for it.
Have you recently been told no for a job promotion, an opportunity or something you wanted really, really bad? Well, I’m here to tell you I get it. I know how it feels. I know it can hurt. I know it’s insanely frustrating. But you know what? Let’s move on to greater and bigger things together shall we?! Let’s take the way that NO made us feel and do something productive with it! Let’s take that no and shove it…just kidding….no shoving anything anywhere. We are big girls remember? Right.
Since getting that no, I’ve been doing some thinking. I realized I needed to work on my self confidence and embrace who I am, but also set goals for growth. There are several things I’ve started doing, which I will definitely be telling you about.
The first thing I am really excited about is I signed up for the Get Your Pretty On Rediscover Me 28 Day Challenge. It’s a 4-week journey into self discovery and I can’t wait to get started. The class begins September 1st! When you sign up, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group, a free book download and a welcome video to learn what you need to get started. She provided two free videos to get a taste of what’s to come and after watching the 1st one, I signed up without hesitation.
Will you join me? Sign up here! Please let me know if a) you sign up and b) you have any questions. LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER.
