Rejection as Motivation: How I Became an Entrepreneur
By Taiwo Adeshina
I remember that moment vividly. It was a hot afternoon in Abeokuta, the sun blazing down fiercely, reflecting the heat in my heart. I was sitting on the steps of my house, the sounds of children playing nearby mixing with the distant honking of cars. I was nervously rehearsing what I was about to say. Her name was Ify, and I had been crushing on her for what felt like forever. I thought I had it all figured out. I was ready to tell her how I felt. But life threw a curveball at me that day.
When I finally gathered the courage to confess my feelings, I was met with a response that crushed my spirit. "I like you too, but you're not in my league. Your family is struggling, and I can’t be with someone who can’t take care of me." Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I felt invisible. My dreams of romance shattered, and what I thought was an innocent infatuation turned into a moment that would change my life forever.
The Bitter Taste of Rejection
Rejection hurts, and this one stung deeply. I walked home that day feeling like I had lost not just a potential relationship but a part of myself. The shame of being poor wrapped around me like a heavy blanket. I had always known that our financial struggles were a burden, but now it felt like a wall separating me from happiness. I had dreams—big dreams—of becoming someone, but those dreams felt even further away now.
I could have easily let that rejection break me. I could have sulked in my room, wallowing in self-pity, thinking of all the could-have-beens. But deep down, I knew I had to turn that pain into something positive. I had to channel that rejection into fuel for my ambitions. After all, Ify wasn’t the first girl I’d liked, and she wouldn’t be the last. But I refused to let her words define my worth.
The Birth of a Fire
I started to think about what I could do to change my situation. I couldn’t change my family’s financial status overnight, but I could change my mindset. I began to explore entrepreneurship. I’d always had a knack for selling things—whether it was snacks at school or helping my mum sell her wares in the market. So, why not?
I began small. I saved up a little money from odd jobs and started a small business selling phone accessories. It wasn’t easy, trust me. There were nights when I barely made enough to cover my transport fare, but I was determined. Each rejection I faced from suppliers or potential customers only fueled my desire to succeed.
Learning Through Hustle
As I navigated the world of business, I learned valuable lessons. I discovered the importance of networking. I attended local entrepreneur meetups, connecting with people who shared my dreams. I learned about marketing strategies, customer service, and the grit it takes to stay afloat in the bustling market of Abeokuta. I was hungry for success, and I embraced every setback as a stepping stone.
I remember one particular day vividly. I had just finished a pitch to a potential investor—my heart racing, palms sweaty. After my presentation, he looked me dead in the eye and said, “You’re not ready.” It felt like Ify’s words echoing in my head. But instead of feeling defeated, I took a step back and analyzed what I could improve. I took his words to heart, worked harder, and persevered.
The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur
Fast forward a few years, and I had built multiple businesses. I dabbled in everything from fashion to tech. I was no longer the boy sitting on the steps of my house, feeling inadequate. I had transformed my life through sheer determination and hard work. And you know what? I started to see rejection in a new light. Each “no” was just a redirect to something better.
My journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were days when I felt like giving up. Days when I questioned whether I was cut out for this life. But every time I thought about Ify and her rejection, I found strength. I was no longer a victim of my circumstances. I was a creator of my destiny.
The Sweet Taste of Success
Today, I stand proud of what I’ve achieved. I’ve become a successful entrepreneur, and my story is not just about financial success but about resilience and self-discovery. I’ve learned that rejection can be a powerful motivator. It can push you out of your comfort zone and force you to confront your fears. It can be the catalyst that ignites a fire within you.
A few years ago, I happened to run into Ify at a networking event. I was there to connect with potential business partners, but when I saw her, time seemed to freeze. At first, she didn’t recognize me. I was dressed sharply, exuding confidence, a stark contrast to the young man who once sat on those steps, nursing a broken heart.
After a few moments of small talk, the realization hit her, and her eyes widened in disbelief. “Is that really you?” she asked, astonished. We chatted for a while, and I could see the warmth in her eyes, a mix of nostalgia and regret. She began to share her own struggles, how life hadn’t been as easy as she thought it would be.
Then, almost hesitantly, she said, “I’m really sorry for looking down on you back then. I was so caught up in appearances and what others thought. I was wrong to judge you based on your circumstances.” Her voice trembled slightly as she continued, “I see now that you’ve built something amazing. I wish I had seen your potential back then. Can we start over?”
In that moment, a flood of emotions washed over me. Part of me felt a twinge of sympathy for her, and another part relished the fact that I had moved beyond her rejection. I looked her in the eye and said, “Ify, I appreciate your apology. It means a lot to me. But I’ve changed. I’ve grown, and I’m not the same person I was when I first approached you. I’m not someone to be looked down upon anymore.”
I could see her face fall slightly, the realization that it was, indeed, too late. I wasn’t angry; rather, I felt a sense of closure. I had transformed the pain of that rejection into a powerful driving force that shaped my success.
A Message to You
So, if you’re reading this and you’ve faced rejection—whether in love or in life—take heart. Use that pain as motivation. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it drive you to become the best version of yourself. Life is unpredictable, but your response to rejection can lead you to greatness.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!