How To Deal With Rejection — An Actor’s Life
How to deal with rejection in your creative life.
Rejection for the creative person can be devastating. Every time we show up for something, we are putting ourselves out there. To seek to shine brightly also invites the risk of rejection. In my experience, most creatives are introverts with moments of extrovert. So when they uncloak themselves to pursue their dream, to be rejected can be painful.
I’m sure you have heard the platitude “Don’t take it personally.” I would agree with this. It’s not about you. However for the actor, the writer, the artist, the dancer, it can feel personal, so it’s a bit more tricky to navigate.
Shake It Off
Nothing is more disappointing than not getting the gig, the role, the job when we really, really wanted it. Especially if you put your heart and soul into it, thought you were perfect for it and knew it you would do a great job with it. Or when getting it would have launched your career or you just really needed it to pay your bills.
Let it Go.
Shake it off. It’s not about you. It doesn’t mean you were not good enough. Don’t take it personally. The decisions made in all likelihood, have nothing to do with your talent. Come to a place of knowing that something else is meant for you.
Action
It’s important during this time to take an action step that reinforces that there is an opportunity waiting for you. Read a book on your field. Take a class. Network. Audition. But do something proactive. It will lift your spirits and get you back on track.
Be Creative
Nothing feeds a Creative’s soul than to be inspired. Go to a live music event, dance, paint, sing, act, write. It will make you come alive. Revive the color and magic of living life as a Creative soul.
About Eileen Anglin
Eileen is an actor, voice actor, artist and an environmental activist. She is also a life coach for creatives, helping them overcome self doubt to shine their light, because the world needs it.
She lives at the New Jersey Shore with her husband and four cats in a cottage called “The Hermitage.”
You can visit her at eileenanglinvo.com
