Dear Future Self

On surviving through rejections and unemployment

Oct 10, 2022

Hi Superstar,

Have you ever thought about your future self? I have.

I frequently daydream about my confident, smart, and rich future self-traveling around the world and working remotely. The first time I ever daydreamed about her was when I got my first rejection and ever since then, it has become my coping mechanism and the reason why I keep trying and trying.

Try - Whenever you get a rejection, try to create a rejection plan that includes learning from the experience and practicing self-compassion. Focus on what you can learn from the experience rather than wallowing in self-pity. Review and reflect on the situation and build a personal development plan. Then, keep your head high, excited, and optimistic about those other jobs you had your eye on. This is not easy so fake it.

Fake it till you make it - No one is 100% confident, we just fake it. We all wear a mask to hide our insecurities and timidness. Eventually, the mask becomes real and we see ourselves conforming to the image we faked. So, fake that strength, maintain a positive perspective, and focus on what you can control.

Control your mind: Your thoughts are your strongest and most malicious critic so fix your thoughts to be your biggest cheerleader. Remind yourself of how amazing you are and how you will be the best addition to any team. This will help to reinforce your mental stability when job searching.

Keep searching: In a hundred rejections, there is that one ‘Yes’ that can change your life. So never stop applying, keep sending those emails, revising your resume, and attending those interviews. Your Yes is on the way.

“And with every rejection, I kept smiling at how grand my success story will be in a few years”.