I remember when I was incredibly unprepared for presentations, public speaking opportunities and job interviews. Back in my early academic days, I did not know what business professional meant or how to be an effective communicator. I lacked confidence and had no clue what I was doing!
The mindset shift began when someone called me out on my unpreparedness right to my face and compared me to the competition around me. Since that moment, I became very intentional about becoming the best possible version of myself that I can be. Day by day, semester by semester and year by year I became a better speaker, presenter and of course better at interviewing – all following the rejection I witnessed and the active choice immediately after to make a change.
If you are at a place in your life where you feel dissatisfied or feel like you need to develop in an area, remember this.
1. Be intentional and be tenacious about wanting to improve and develop. Own your development!
2. Understand that you need to give yourself time to improve with the right effort and investment.
3. Don’t be so hard on yourself after rejection. Stay confident and do not allow your past to dictate your future.