When One Door Closes...

When One Door Closes...

When one door closes, another opens, right? Not necessarily, and if what you want is on the other side of the closed door, don’t just give up and wait or hope for another opportunity to present itself. I’ve discovered there are many things you can do when a door closes, including pushing on that door, knocking louder, and even banging on it. Or gently turning the handle in case it isn't locked. In other words, persistence.

These are tough times. With doors closing in your face or simply not opening, you may feel discouraged and disheartened. But courage and heart are exactly what we need when it’s time to practice persistence. It’s worth continuing to reach for your goal if determined to achieve it.

Over the years, I have disappointments and faced tons of rejection. I have also had many opportunities that seemed like they were slipping away, but somehow I found the courage and heart to have another go. In fact, one of the best jobs in my career was the result of pushing on a door I felt was closing.

My potential boss was ending our telephone interview with a statement like “It’s been lovely speaking with you; I’ll be in touch.” Something inside me kicked in and I said “Wait. I feel like I haven’t convinced you. Let me share a bit more.” I could sense him smiling as we continued the conversation, which led to a second interview and ultimately a job offer. I’ve done this several times in my life and career, and I shared some stories and strategies in my flagship book The Thoughtful Leader, specifically written for leaders going through a tough time.

Tony Robbins, one of my mentors, says when you’re not getting the results you want, try another approach. Of course, we know that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is (apparently) the definition of insanity. Sorry, that is not politically correct at all so please forgive me, but it is a common saying and I’m sure you have heard it.

My point is, if things are not working out the way you want, there is usually a different way and probably a better way than what you have been trying. However, you may not be able to see it right away, and you may need the input of other smart people – friends, mastermind buddies, a coach or mentor or even your partner – to come up with and explore ideas you may never have thought of.

If you have experienced multiple rejections recently, you may be feeling a bit beaten up and less confident or willing to keep trying. You may not feel like going into the boxing ring again. I get it. I feel your pain. I also know that there are deep reserves of caring and determination in you, and these challenging times are exactly when you must tap into them. I mentioned courage and heart earlier. The heartfelt caring you have for others, for your purposes and mission, that’s what is going to give you the courage to try again.

Think about that door that just closed. Maybe it isn’t even locked. Maybe you need to knock harder or shout through the keyhole. Slip something under the door. I don’t know what is going to work, and I am going to trust you will find a way. Don’t give up. The world needs your energy, ideas, commitment and wisdom.

Sam Matharu

EMEA Director, Analytics @GroupM | AI Visiting Lecturer MSc @Durham | House of Lords 2024 | AdWeek 2023

1y

There's a good saying Mindy Gibbins-Klein 'Opportunity will not only knock on the door when you are ready, it will stand just next to the door to open it.' The harder you work, the luckier you get.

John Burns FCMA, MInstCPD

Career Coach, Keynote Speaker on Change, Presenter|Executive Producer - The GYFT Show Ireland.

1y

Powerful article Mindy Gibbins-Klein. Times are certainly tough with a lot of people struggling with the cost of living crisis. Persistence is key.

Nick Goode

Growth: Marketing, Product & People | Fintech, SaaS, Crypto & Web3 | Start-up, Scale-up, Enterprise | Advisor | Coach | Investor | French speaker | Dad

1y

what the world needs to read right now Mindy Gibbins-Klein 👆

Dr Rexleigh Bunyard (D.Mus)

Artivist, Musician, musical director, music producer, teacher, NPO project manager (Freelance)

1y

Mindy Gibbins-Klein thankyou, just what I needed to hear today.

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