My plan to photograph drake
Happy Sunday everyone!
Today I’d like to share and reflect on a personal challenge to optimize my handling of rejection. I’ve spent a lot of time working on my fear of rejection but there’s always room for improvement.
First, I’d like to recap my views on rejection:
It is a statistic.
It is a modifiable construct.
It’s not linked to our self-worth.
However, while being mindful of that, it’s still easy to fall into the fear of rejection cycle as driven by our self-limitations. One way out of it is practice. We must build a habit of consistently getting rejected.
So if you’re interested in challenging yourself and working on overcoming your fear of rejection, check out my template here. And if you’re reading this, it’s not too late to go get what you want.
My fear of rejection
I used to fear rejection because I linked it to my self-worth. However, as I worked through the process of self-discovery and mental optimization, I understood that these two constructs are definitely unlinked. And when I properly felt that, honestly, nothing was the same.
But there’s still a part of me that doesn’t ask for things as much as I’d like to. Sometimes I blame it on being lazy but honestly, it’s probably not that. It could also be that I don’t really want that thing as much as I thought I did. However, even then, that doesn’t sit right for me.
So I decided to make a few plans to force myself to ask for what I want.
The challenge
I would like to photograph who I think is the greatest rapper in the last decade. Since 2009, Drake’s work has provided me with an amazing backdrop for various life experiences, and being able to capture a photo of him would be an honor.
Soon I’ll share my version of the rejection template to show my progress.
The plan
There are several ways to achieve this. But generally, I have to get into the habit of asking for what I want. And then asking again and again without slowing down. There might be a lot of steps between where I am and where I want to be but those steps do exist. I just need to walk them.
Start with smaller creators in London that inspire me.
Expand to larger creators in London and the UK.
Improve the depth of my portfolio.
Use photography as a mode of networking.
Go in with minimal expectations and assumptions.
This might take 10 years or maybe just 1. But it’s the process of growth that matters.
For this to work
Today I must believe that I am already the type of photographer that can get a yes.
Today I must act like the photographer that is already photographing great people that inspire me.
I must strategically build my body of work to attract more people that inspire me.
These thoughts can be used for any of you that want something with your work. You have to believe you’re already that person. What will that person do today? Just don’t wait to embody that being.
Takeaway
Regardless of what happens, I am focused on being the type of photographer that goes out to get what I want and capture moments that inspire me. That’s the true challenge.
And the main thing I’d like you to take from this is that you never know where a huge goal with consistent work can get you. So just make one and find a way to keep getting rejected with me in something you’re passionate about. But also always remember that whatever happens, just try your best. Take care.
Free self-optimization templates
Improve your health with my simple 14-day health plan here.
Overcome rejection here.
Check out my morning routine here.
About Me
My name is Arun and I'm a 4th-year medical student at King's College London. I'm also a certified personal trainer and fitness photographer.
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For thoughts about this newsletter, drop me an email at hello@arunjayaraj.com