Turning rejection into motivation: stories of resilience in freelance design

Liza Ponce, co-founder Bonito Studio
In the realm of freelance design, resilience is the secret ingredient that separates the exceptional from the ordinary. It's the art of turning rejection into motivation, setbacks into stepping stones, and dreams into reality. Today, we'll explore how we’ve been working this art, proving that resilience is a powerful catalyst for success.

Dear remarkable women of the marketing world,

In the realm of freelance design, resilience is the secret ingredient that separates the exceptional from the ordinary. It's the art of turning rejection into motivation, setbacks into stepping stones, and dreams into reality. Today, we'll explore how we’ve been working this art, proving that resilience is a powerful catalyst for success.

The story of embracing feedback

Embracing feedback is a crucial skill in your personal and professional growth. Constructive feedback, whether positive or negative, can provide valuable insights, help you improve your skills, and enhance your relationships with others. One of the key steps to embrace it effectively relies on stay open minded. You must be willing to listen even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable to hear. Remind yourself that feedback is an opportunity for growth, not a personal attack.  

Persevering through tough times

Persevering through tough times can be challenging, but it's a crucial skill that can lead to personal growth and eventual success. Recognise that tough times are a part of life, and they are temporary.Believing in your ability to overcome challenges is the first step to resilience. Don't be afraid to lean on yoursupport network, whether it's friends, family, or a therapist. Prioritise self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep. A healthy body and mind are betterequipped to handle stress. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. You can cultivate this skill by facing challenges head-on andlearning from your experiences. Remember that everyone faces tough times at some point in their lives. It's how you respond to these challenges that defines your character and can lead to personal growth.

Navigating gender bias

Navigating gender bias can be challenging, but it's essential to address and overcome it for a more equitable society. Whether you're personally experiencing gender bias or seeking to support others who are, here are some strategies to help you navigate this issue: self-awareness, education, advocate for yourself, seek allies, promote inclusivity, foster dialogue, support organisations and initiatives, mentorship and sponsorship, know your rights, lead by example, document incidents, practice self-care. Remember that navigating gender bias is an ongoing process that requires persistence and collective effort. Change may not happen overnight, but every step taken to challenge and address bias contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Finding inner strength

We might be derailed by personal, academic, or professional crisis. And even in our lowest point, we might consider quitting our passion. However, we found the inner strength to persevere. Finding inner strength is a personal journey that involves developing emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a positive mindset.

What we can learn from all of this is the ability we have to turn rejection into motivation. Not allowing setbacks to define our journey. Instead, using rejection as a stepping stone to push forward with even more determination.

So, dear female marketers and designers, remember this: every rejection, every obstacle, and every challenge you face is an opportunity in disguise. It's an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to prove to yourself and the world that you have the resilience to succeed.

Your journey may not be without its share of setbacks, but your resilience will be the driving force that propels you toward your dreams. Embrace rejection, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone to reach new heights. You are stronger than you know, and your resilience will light the path to your freelance design success.

Keep pushing forward, keep believing in yourselves, and keep turning rejection into motivation. The world is waiting to be inspired by your remarkable resilience.

With unwavering belief in your potential,

Liza