Martin: That's how you respond to a setback

Ex-rugby player Martin Johnson refused to give up after being rejected by Leicester in his younger years and went on to captain England to World Cup triumph

Former England captain Martin Johnson believes that rejection can act as a source of motivation, helping individuals to achieve their goals.

Johnson was speaking at the launch of the new Land Rover Discovery Sport, which is being marketed on its ability to overcome any obstacle.

The ex-Leicester lock was rejected by the Tigers as a youngster, but used that disappointment to fuel his determination to succeed.

He went on to win 84 caps for England, captaining the side to World Cup glory in 2003

“I got knocked back by Leicester when I was 16 and it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Johnson.

“It made me work harder and set me on the path to where I wanted to be.”

Johnson’s comments echo those of many successful people, who have used rejection as a springboard to success.

For example, Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first job as a news anchor, but went on to become one of the most successful talk show hosts of all time.

And JK Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers before her first Harry Potter book was finally accepted.

So, if you’re facing rejection, don’t give up.

Use it as motivation to prove your critics wrong and achieve your goals.