We don't always get what we want. These moments are meant to humble and solidify our resolve. With that being said, rejection and disappointment are emotions I don't handle well.
If you were in the know, you know I spent most of September advancing through the interview process for an executive director role at a local nonprofit. The process was both nerve wracking and filled with moments of pride. Knowing I did my very best in every fashion of the process, I soon learned after the final round I would not be offered the job.
Needless to say, I was crushed. After five rounds of interviews, I envisioned myself as the executive director. I saw my future. There, I was happy. Then I felt rejection and disappointment. Here, I am forced to confront my weaknesses.
The key is turning these emotions into action. I don't want to discount what I am feeling, but I also refuse to dwell on the pain. Instead, it should motivate and serve as a north star. My leadership holes have been exposed. I need more experience leading teams and managing the hiring/firing process. I will now actively seek out those opportunities. To do so, will make me a better leader and fill in some of the holes in my armor.
So, there is a destination beyond the pain. There are moments of splendor to be had. There are things to be learned. I am open to the process and my hope is that you are too. No one wins all the time. The world needs losers. It also needs and demands people unsatisfied with losing for long.
Thanks for entering my world,
-Nathan