Yesterday I got rejected by a top start-up accelerator, which I kind of expected, but it still hurts.
Understandably they couldn’t provide feedback due to the volume of applications, and I hesitated to share this because I didn’t want it to come across as seeking pity.
But I also got rejected last year by a local foundation, and I’ve started doubting myself.
So for an urgent pep talk, I turned to ChatGPT and it told me to reflect on my “why”.
I believe everyone’s life is better when they have more energy, and I think I can help.
There are a few people who believe in what I’m doing (boost energy through simple food tracking) and writing this is helping me reflect instead of rushing off to do more work.
Maybe they’re right. Maybe my idea isn’t great.
But even it if that’s true, writing this is helping me realise if I just keep going, I’ll either come up with a better idea or a better way to show that helping people eat better is the quickest way to boost energy and end the burnout crisis.
Thanks for reading.
Needed to get this out of my head and would love to hear how you handle rejection.
Very interesting. I guess there are two root causes of rejection. First, the person who is rejecting you just doesn't want what you have. E.g. you sell hot dogs and I don't like hot dogs. Doesn't mean there is anything wrong the hot dogs. Second, is the more obvious one where I like hot dogs and I reject yours. Then you know there is probably an issue with what you are doing and need a rethink.
So first step is classify the reason for rejection. Maybe the accelerator already had foo many lifestyle type ideas and wanted a more balanced portfolio. Doesn't mean your idea is inherently bad.
Once you get established the reason then overcoming it is a lot easier if a task.
Reading your post this quote came to mind - “Life is like a camera. Just focus on what's important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don't work out, just take another shot.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour.