Last week I was the business “expert” on a television program.  One of the other guests was Kathy Ireland, former supermodel and Sports Illustrated cover girl.

After her modeling career, Ireland decided to start a home furnishings business.  Like many entrepreneurs, she was told she was crazy and had no chance competing against the likes of Martha Stewart.  But, she prevailed and today her business is amazingly successful.  When the host of the TV show asked her secret to success, she said that her modeling career had taught her to deal with rejection and so she was very ready for the business world.

I think that there is something to this.

Whenever you try something new and creative, something that is off-center for you, you are sticking your neck out … and thereby risking the pain of rejection.  This rejection can take many forms:  people not taking you seriously, people ignoring your efforts, and even outright failure.  And because rejection is so painful, many of us tend to keep our heads down … perhaps not content with the status quo but at least safe from the barbs of rejection.

Today I read an article about the two guys who started Twitter.  Although not yet a financial success, Twitter is clearly a cultural phenomenon attracting millions of new users every month.  One of the founders had bounced around in the business world before starting Twitter - for the most part he was unsuccessful in both corporate and entrepreneurial ventures.  When asked whether he was discouraged by his many rejections, he said:

“No, I always figured that there was something wrong with everyone else.”

When we push the edges of our comfort zone, when we put ourselves out there for others to judge, we are risking negative feedback.   Those willing to take this risk, those willing to confront the pain of rejection if and when it comes, are also those most likely to maximize their potential.

Rejection hurts.  But so does staying with a lifestyle because it is safe - especially when you know it is not the right fit for you.

Jim Randel is the founder and co-author of The Skinny On™ series. His most recent book The Skinny On Credit Cards: How to Master the Credit Card Game is available at www.TheSkinnyOn.com.