Today I received an official rejection. And I got the same notice of a second place finish, twice. As if finding out you’re first place loser, instead of first place isn’t enough of a bummer. It had to be repeated by mail and phone on the same day. So forgive me if I’m feeling a bit bruised.
There’s no other way to say it. Being someone’s second place sucks. No matter what the prize– a new house, a new job, a new flame… Finishing anything but first place is a heartbreaker. Let’s face it. Most of us want to win, not lose.
I gave it my best. Crossed my t’s and dotted my i’s. But in the end, I was missing something. It got me thinking. Perhaps the key to a first place finish is not really about being the “perfect fit.” Maybe it’s about coming in second a couple of times and figuring out what will make you better and stronger for the next round.
In one of my first job interviews out here, for what on paper was my ideal job, I totally botched it. I mean, I sucked it big time. I rambled on like a ninny, I gave generic answers because my mind went positively blank, and I could have taken flight as my hands gestured wildly up and down. I wasn’t even selected for the second round of interviews, and it stung. A lot.
But in another interview, two months later, I nailed it. Perfectly, positively nailed it. And I know it’s because I thought of what went wrong in that other interview and made sure I was prepared with concise responses, specific examples, and handcuffs (just kidding). Plus, I was having a better hair day. But that’s by the by.
Oh Chelle, I’m sorry. I know how badly you wanted it. But in the end, it just wasn’t the right place for you. The perfect place is going to be knocking other people out of the way to get to you.
You’ll find it, I promise.
xoxo
Chelle… I am sorry. :(
Hope today is a better day!
I’m sorry but tomorrow will be a better day and this may be corny but with us you are always going to come in at number 1.