I’m working with my friend Debra Ross to design and add photography to a wonderful book she wrote with inspirational insights for parents (I’ll let you know when it’s published).  In one  essay, she writes about her daughter auditioning for a play. On the day before the audition, her daughter (then 8 years old)  looked at her and said, “I don’t want it to be tomorrow. Today is still the day when the bad thing hasn’t happened yet.”

Meaning, of course, that she hadn’t been rejected for the part.

In today’s email from Seth Godin, his post was entitled “But I might get rejected.” He was referring to the Agenda Seminar he is offering in late July. He is inviting readers to submit applications to attend this seminar in which he will be working with 15 individuals who have initiatives they are trying to fly and for which they need advice on how to land.

It was like he was speaking to me…except that I already turned in my application yesterday morning.

When I learned he was doing the seminar, I immediately decided to apply. I contacted three friends to see if they’d be references (it turned out I needed only one). I started working on the application.

Only then, did I start getting cold feet as I thought about the odds of success and whether my three initiatives were significant enough to be considered.

But in the end, I decided to submit, because I knew I’d regret more that I didn’t attempt it than if I did and I was rejected.

I remembered one amazing opportunity I was offered years ago that I turned down due to the objections of someone else in my life (Lesson: Avoid those who are not supportive of your goals and opportunities).

I also knew that, if I was rejected, the fates might shuffle the deck suddenly and opportunities might change. It’s happened on a number of occasions such as when I auditioned for the part of Anna in The King and I in high school and wasn’t chosen. Two weeks before the opening, Anna withdrew and I had the opportunity to step in and take over the part, playing it with confidence and gusto.

I was second runner up for a job in NYC. When the chosen candidate didn’t work out, I stepped in for the longest and best run of my career.

Two years ago, I applied for a NYFA boot camp, and was not initially chosen. I sent a note, reiterating my interest and asking that I be added to a waiting list. When one candidate withdrew, I was invited to attend what turned out to be a dynamic program.

The other thing I realized is the benefits I derived simply by applying. It helped me organize my thoughts around what my needs really are (to think more like a success-oriented entrepreneur). In submitting  my application, I am already one step closer to landing my initiatives.

Thanks, Seth Godin.

P.S. If you are interested in applying to Seth’s Agenda Session, the deadline is around June 4. I advise you to get your submission in sooner rather than later, because there will be a lot of demand for this program, and the deadline may move up, depending on the number of applications.

 

If you like this post, you may also want to read “Why I Love Seth Godin.”