forbes.com
Playwright Seeks 50 Rejections to Achieve Success
Playwright Sarah Feingold aimed for 50 rejections of her play "Dirty Legal Secrets," viewing them as progress markers; this strategy, supported by research linking rejection to increased leadership and innovation, led to an off-off-Broadway premiere and a television pilot adaptation.
- What is the significance of Sarah Feingold's goal of receiving 50 rejections for her play, and how does this unconventional approach relate to broader concepts of success and leadership?
- Sarah Feingold, a lawyer-turned-playwright, set a goal of receiving 50 rejections for her play, "Dirty Legal Secrets," believing that consistent rejection demonstrates proactive engagement and increases the likelihood of eventual success. This strategy stems from research indicating that embracing setbacks enhances leadership and fosters innovation.
- How did Feingold's professional background as a lawyer influence her approach to rejection, and what specific strategies did she implement to transform rejection into a learning opportunity?
- Feingold's approach aligns with studies from Harvard Business Review and Stanford, which show that individuals who actively seek rejection build resilience, confidence, and creativity. Her experience demonstrates that viewing rejection as a data point for improvement, rather than a measure of failure, can lead to significant growth and achievement.
- What are the potential long-term implications of Feingold's approach for creative professionals and leaders, and how might her experience challenge conventional notions of success and failure?
- Feingold's strategy of actively seeking rejection offers a novel approach to goal setting and risk management. By reframing rejection as a step toward success and incorporating reflection into the process, she transformed setbacks into opportunities for learning and refinement, ultimately leading to a successful off-off-Broadway run and a television pilot adaptation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed positively around Feingold's experiences, highlighting her resilience and success in overcoming rejections. The headline and introduction emphasize her unique goal of accumulating 50 rejections, portraying it as a strategic move rather than simply a measure of repeated failure. This framing might unintentionally downplay the emotional toll of rejection for others.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and encouraging, focusing on empowerment and resilience. However, terms like "stung" and "rough start" could be considered slightly loaded, although they accurately reflect Feingold's emotions. Neutral alternatives might include 'disappointing' or 'challenging' instead of 'rough start'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Sarah Feingold's experience and does not offer broader perspectives on handling rejection in creative fields or other professions. While it mentions studies from Harvard Business Review and Stanford, it doesn't delve into their specifics or offer contrasting viewpoints. This omission might limit the reader's understanding of the prevalence and impact of rejection beyond Feingold's personal experience.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on a single woman's experience. While not inherently biased, the lack of diverse perspectives on rejection from men or individuals from different backgrounds could leave the reader with an incomplete picture of how rejection impacts various demographics. The article does not show gender bias in language or representation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights Sarah Feingold's journey as a playwright, challenging gender norms in the male-dominated theater industry. Her success against significant rejection demonstrates resilience and perseverance, inspiring other women to pursue their creative goals. The #MeToo movement directly motivated her work, addressing gender inequality in corporate settings.