When starting something new – whether it’s starting a new business, looking for a new job or bringing a new concept to your industry, it is essential that you make room for objectivity when getting feedback from others. It is easy and natural when we are in new territory to be more vulnerable than normal taking the negative input of others as the truth. A client recently pitched a new business concept to a colleague for a professional symposium.

The presentation wasn’t accepted and the client began wondering if his concept was viable. He was naturally discouraged and questioned his ability to articulate the concept’s value and to develop it into a lucrative part of his business model. Through our sessions, he recognized that his was a good idea. He just needed to rethink and refine the concept and pursue other opportunities to present it.

It is important to get other people’s perspectives and insights when we are journeying into new areas. At the same time, we must hold some objectivity about the source of the input and not let negative feedback destroy our excitement for creating new opportunities.