Too many people give up after the first decline or failed attempt. They take ‘No’ for an answer and embrace it as a final verdict. The truth is there is always a window of opportunity beyond the first decline.
Yesterday I was having a conversation with someone who had given up on an opportunity they claim to want so bad. The idea of wanting something so bad and giving up on it does not seem to rhyme in my world. I believe in chasing after the things that you truly care about.
The questions you need to ask yourself are; 
- How badly do I want this?
- What am I willing to sacrifice for it?
I am yet to meet or read about a highly successful person who has never failed or been rejected for an opportunity in their lives.
Failure and rejection are indicators that you need to build mastery and try again. When you are turned down, take the time to find out why in case the other party is willing to give you that feedback. This will enable you to know how to prepare better for a stronger comeback.
You have nothing to lose when you ask for feedback but everything to gain. It is painful enough to be rejected and yet that feedback is all you might need to close your next deal. Swallow your pride and ask for feedback even in the most painful of situations. When you purpose to become better, start by learning to ask for feedback.
If you don’t know why you failed the first time, chances are you will fail again.
Every decline/ rejection offers you a learning opportunity that equips you to become better at your next application so don’t close the door behind you simply because you were declined but rather keep it open for the next appointment.
I have had the privilege of sitting on different application review committees. I must admit, there is something beautiful about a person who applies for the second or even third time. That simple act affirms that you are resilient, committed, self-driven, ambitious, focused, committed, and possibly passionate about whatever they are applying for.
It affirms that they truly want this opportunity and are committed to continued learning. When I see a person who is applying again, my heart goes out for them in some way because I know it takes courage to set foot again in a place where you have been turned down.
I have applied for many things in my life and it is only a few that I have gotten through on my first application. Some have taken two or three applications for me to be successful. There is an opportunity where I applied five times in a row each time they advertised the offer. This has conditioned my mind to never take ‘NO’ for a final answer. I have learned to stop and ask if there is anything I could have done better.
So before you quit on that opportunity because you did not qualify the first time, stop and evaluate how badly you want that offer and what you are willing to sacrifice for it. Once you ascertain that you truly want it, strategize to give it a second and third chance or simply choose to keep trying till you get it. Persistence and consistency can wear out resilience in some cases but more importantly, it builds your resilience.
So before you walk away, dare to try again.
