Risk of Rejection

"Ma, I want to do this."

"I know. But it's in middle of the school year."

"Yes. And I really really really want to do this."

"Hmmm…Let me talk to your father about this…"

My 14 year old bother was determined to present his talent of Mentalism at the RCCS TALENT COMPETITION. My parents had a hard time agreeing. They were afraid that all this excitement would take him away from his studies.

I was not privy to the details, but he somehow managed to convince my parent to allow him to apply.

My brother overcame his first hurdle!

After this, the next step would be easy.

He recruited an audience and a videographer (yours truly). He did a short performance and submitted the video to RCCS, hoping to be accepted. The only thing left for him to do was wait and pray.


But what was I supposed to do?

As his sister, my job is to be a support for him. I'm supposed to encourage him to reach his goals. But I was really nervous of the potential disappointment. He was so brave, and I didn't want him to be broken.

Do I clue him into reality, and prepare him for rejection?
Or do I pump him up with positivity?

I didn't have too much time to consider my approach. Within two days, we were notified of the big news.

My brother was accepted to participate in the competition!

Wow! Our family is celebrating. Yet, we all know that the big test is still to come.

On Thursday night, my little brother will stand in front of a few judges and thousands of viewers at home. There will be one contestant that will win. Will he be the lucky one?
 

Now I face a dilemma once again.

Do I share with him a dose of reality?

There will be so many other contestants.
The judges will be so intimidating.
I would never do such a thing.

Or can his reality be created by his mindset?

I know that you have what it takes to win!
You are so charismatic and confident!
Mentalism is the coolest talent out there, for sure!

If he believes that success is inevitable, he may have the confidence to succeed.

Yet, raising his hopes will compound the pain if he not a winner.

Is it worth the risk?

Whenever we try something new, there is always a risk of rejection.

What should our self-talk ideally be?

How do we balance positivity and self-protection?

Let me know what you think in the comments below.