The book had been a best seller for months. Every week it would be in the lead, sometimes hitting #1, then fall a spot or two and go right back up. Back then, apparently you could call a special number to find out where you'd appear on the best seller list for the following week.
Wayne was traveling all over, appearing on shows and doing other special events so he had his wife make the call to the New York Times with the special number to find out about the best seller list.
Wayne called home to find out where he was going to appear on the best seller list for the following week. He asked his wife, "Where am I on the best seller list next week?"
His wife said, "You're not on the best seller list." Wayne was shocked! "What? What are you talking about? I was number one on the best-seller list last week!"
She said, "You're not on the best seller list. I'm sorry." She paused. "Your book is on the best seller list."
Separating who we are as individuals from the product or service we sell, or for that matter what we write, sing, design or create is important.
When we don't maintain that healthy separation and the rejection happens, it's devastating and personal because we've made it all about us. No amount of rejection means you are good, bad or not worthy. You are not who accepts you. You are not your rejections. Remember that.
