Are You Letting Rejection Hold You Back?

Summary

The article discusses the importance of embracing rejection as a necessary step towards growth and success in an artistic career, using the experiences of Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Taraji P. Henson, and Insecure's executive producer Amy Aniobi as examples.

Abstract

The article "Are You Letting Rejection Hold You Back?" emphasizes that rejection is an inevitable part of an artist's journey. It recounts the author's personal struggle with rejection, detailing how they initially took rejection letters personally and considered quitting. However, the author found inspiration in the stories of famous individuals who persevered through rejection and failure to achieve success. Amy Aniobi, an Emmy-nominated screenwriter, is highlighted for her resilience, having faced numerous rejections before her success with the show "Insecure." The author encourages readers to view each rejection as a step towards success, advocating for continued creation, networking, and persistence. The article concludes with a call to subscribe to the author's newsletter for ongoing creative inspiration and a request for support through a "Buy me a coffee" link.

Opinions

The author initially perceived rejection as a personal failure and considered abandoning their writing career.
Rejection is presented not as a setback but as a common experience on the path to success, as evidenced by the stories of Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Taraji P. Henson.
Amy Aniobi's career timeline serves as a powerful example of how perseverance through rejection can lead to significant achievements like an Emmy nomination.
The author suggests that each rejection should be seen as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to success.
The article encourages maintaining a proactive attitude, suggesting that artists should continue to create, network, and pursue opportunities despite facing rejection.
The author believes that success is inevitable for those who persist, with the question being not "if" but "when" it will happen.

To grow as an artist, you have to experience rejection.

Pitch rejection letters used to break me. One tear would stream down my face like Denzel Washington in Glory. The language of their rejection letter templates would follow me throughout the rest of my day:

“We regret to inform you…”

“We’ve chosen to go in a different direction…”

“We will not be moving forward with you at this time…”

For a few gloomy hours, I would swear off my career as a writer. I thought, “If one publication rejects me, they all will. Might as well quit while I’m ahead.” Cell phone in one hand and a bag of Hot Cheetos in another, I’d sit on the couch and watch Degrassi: The Next Generation while wallowing in self-pity.

When rejection knocks me off my game, I remind myself that every success story has experienced failure. Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first job as a news anchor. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got cut from a Canadian Football League team two days after his first pro game. Taraji P. Henson got rejected from a performing arts high school.

After my latest rejection rut, I came across another prominent example that gave me a super-charged boost of inspiration.

What I Learned From Insecure’s Executive Producer

My journey to learn more about screenwriting led me to a video on the Issa Rae Presents YouTube channel entitled “5 Tips on How To Become A Screenwriter w/ Emmy-nominated Screenwriter Amy Aniobi.” Amy Aniobi seemed experienced, smart AF, and super dope — I had to know more about her.

After Googling Aniobi, I came across her website. I clicked on a segment entitled “Timeline” and found a list of all the programs, workshops, festivals, and competitions she’s applied to during her 10+ year career as a screenwriter. The timeline leads to her 2020 Emmy nomination for Insecure. For each line item, she states whether she was accepted, rejected, admitted, etc.

It was eye-opening to see the amount of rejection she went through to get to her current job. She never let rejection keep her from going for the next opportunity.

Witnessing her tenacity gave me a new sense of perspective on rejection — and I hope it gives the same to you.

Takeaways

Don’t let rejection kill your spirit. Keep creating. Keep putting yourself out there. Keep reaching out. Each rejection is a rung on your ladder towards success. If you keep climbing, you’ll get there. It’s not a matter of if, but when.

Nia Simone McLeod is a writer, content creator, and pop culture enthusiast from Richmond, Virginia. Follow her on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram for more dope digital content.