Recently I found myself captivated by 2012 summer Olympics. This is the ultimate stage of competition where athletes put it all on line. A lifetime of preparation, hard work and sacrifice comes down to this very moment in time. Dreams of winning the gold were realized for some while heartache and disappointment became the reality for others.

No other event showcased this better than “Balance Beam”. One miscalculation and I mean even the slightest misstep could result in utter disaster. While watching the event I picked up on an attribute that the winners seemed to possess. It was the ability to stay focused, to concentrate and not let minor mistakes dictate the future.

I observed that for some, even slight mistake lead to another mistake and another mistake until they had fallen of the beam causing their hopes of winning the gold to be shattered. Others had the ability to stay focused. They had the right state of mind, and did not let a small deviation ruin their routine. When faced with adversity they stayed focused and executed their routine just as they had planned and prepared for their whole life.

So what is the lesson that can be learned from the gold medal winners? It’s all about having the right state of mind. In business we are all faced with challenges. Things don’t always go the way that we have planned and in this moment we have a decision to make. The decision is how we choose to react. We can choose to allow business challenges to perpetuate a series of bad decisions leading to failure, or we can choose to stay focused and execute our plan, eventually leading us to success.

The same principles apply when looking to land your dream sales job. Do you have the mental toughness to hang in there and overcome adversity, or will you let these unavoidable challenges hold you back from accomplishing your goals. I sometimes hear from job seekers, “I have been to so many interviews and just can’t seem to get a job, it is just too hard.” If that is how you see things, you need to quit trying now. Why even bother? Just be content with your current situation. It’s easier that way. Your other option is to quickly change your state of mind, get your head on straight, if you know what I mean.

You need to view yourself as a private entity with a clearly defined marketable skill set, a “Hired Gun” so to speak. For example, if your name is John Smith then you need to visualize yourself as “John Smith Inc”. If necessary, you can take your talents and skills and easily utilize them in any company.

If it sounds like I’m getting on my “Soap Box” I’m really not. I know how heart breaking it is when you are told that you didn’t get a job you desperately wanted. The process is an emotional roller coaster of ups and downs of which I have had a front row seat.

Just remember that there are many variables that come into play when a company makes a hiring decision. Things like team dynamics for example. In fact you might be interviewing with a hiring manager who has a team of analytically skilled representatives. It just so happens that this is also your strongest attribute. The manager is specifically looking for someone who brings a different skill set. By bringing on someone who is skilled in other areas, the manager has just made his team stronger. Diversity breeds innovation and creates a very successful environment where team members can learn from each another.

I have always thought that it would be interesting if somehow a study was conducted on the interviewing process. You could set up the study to have 40 sales managers interviewing 20 candidates. Then have the managers rank their top five candidates. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see the results? Who would these managers hire? I am convinced the results would not be conclusive. Meaning there would probably be a few superstars that the managers could universally agree upon, but beyond that all bets are off. I am convinced that these managers would not always pick the same people. Every manager has their interpretation as to what great looks like.

The lesson to be learned here is not to take rejection personally. Just because one manager did not select you for a job does not mean that another manager wouldn’t hire you in a New York minute! A great illustration of this is in the realm of reality T.V. shows like American Idol, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent. While there are certain entertainers that standout and are loved by all the judges, there are also many talented contestants that are not universally appreciated, but have gone on to have amazingly successful careers.

For those of you who are basketball fans and love the NBA as I do, you will appreciate and are well aware of the story I am about to share. The year was 1984, June 19th to be exact, and the stage was Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was the 38th annual draft of the National Basketball Association where teams would pick amateur players to join their organizations. Making the right pick could secure a teams success for a decade. Make the wrong pick, and you will have to deal with wrath of your local fans who invest their hard earned money to buy team merchandise and game tickets.

The Houston Rockets were to pick first, then the Portland Trailblazers, followed up by the Chicago bulls with the third pick. The name “Michael Jordan” is a name that is universally recognized around the world. He is worth millions just from his many endorsement deals alone, and is without a doubt, the best player to have every played the game. Many of you who don’t follow sports obviously know who Michael Jordan is. If you were asked where he was selected in the draft, you would probably assume he was the number one pick. Your assumption would be wrong however, as he was passed up by both the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trailblazers. It was the Chicago Bulls who had the lucky fortune of drafting the world’s best basketball player.

Two teams misjudged Michael’s ability. The same type of miscalculation of one’s abilities can and does occur in the corporate world. Do employers always get it right? Absolutely not, so don’t take it too personally when you don’t get a job. Let the anger and frustration fuel your desire to work even harder and prove them wrong!

If you have recently experienced the bitter taste of rejection, then the best thing that you can do right now for your career is to hit the “Contact” button. We are here to help you get the job you deserve!

One Response to Having the Right Mindset to Help You WIN Big

1. Thomas says on September 12, 2013 at 2:34 pm

   I know what you mean about not taking rejection too personally. I’ve been turned down for so many jobs lately. I have a really hard time not taking it personally. I know the job market is tough but I just can’t seem to help getting down in the dumps when I’m told time and time again that I didn’t get the job.