Playing the Cards You’re Dealt: A Short Man’s Journey

At 5’5”, growing up wasn’t easy. I’d be lying if I said my height didn’t bother me. It hurt. Rejection was a constant companion, and not just in dating. Sure, I dated plenty of women, but many dismissed me before they even got to know me, solely because of my height. That sting of rejection didn’t stop there—it spilled over into other parts of my life, like hockey. I loved the game with all my heart, but bigger guys, not necessarily better players, were the ones picked for the top teams while I sat on the sidelines.

It felt unfair because it was unfair. I blamed my parents. I blamed God. For years, I carried a chip on my shoulder, silently fuming at the cards I’d been dealt. But here’s the truth: while you can’t change your height—or any inherent trait—you can change how you play your hand. That’s the lesson I eventually had to learn.

The Pain of Standing Small in a Big World

Being short can feel like the world is set against you. You’re overlooked, underestimated, and sometimes even invisible. And it’s not just about how others treat you—it’s the narrative that rejection starts to write in your own head.

I remember one date in particular that taught me this lesson the hard way. It started perfectly: laughter, deep conversation, a genuine connection. The night ended back at my place, and I was sure this was one of those rare, magical moments when everything clicked.

Then, out of nowhere, she dropped a bombshell.

“I can’t sleep with you because my ex was 6’4,” she said matter-of-factly. And then she twisted the knife: “I’m used to dating taller guys.” No hesitation, no shame—just blunt honesty. She even tried to soften the blow with a half-hearted, “But I had such an amazing time.”

I was stunned. It felt like a punch to the gut. Here I was, thinking we’d made an incredible connection, only to find out that my height—something completely out of my control—was a dealbreaker.

Maybe it was the shock, maybe the frustration, or maybe just exhaustion from dealing with this kind of thing too many times before, but I’d had enough. I told her to leave.

Afterward, she texted and called, trying to smooth things over, but I never responded. That moment stung, but it became a turning point for me. It was a painful reminder that some people will never look past the surface—and that’s okay. Those people don’t deserve a place in my life.

Turning Frustration Into Fuel

Instead of letting rejection define me, I started focusing on what I could control. I became the guy who could make people laugh. Humor became my superpower. When I could make a room erupt with laughter, my height no longer seemed to matter. People started to see me—my personality, my confidence—not just my stature.

Next, I hit the gym. Hard. Not to prove anything to anyone else, but to feel strong and confident in my own skin. With every rep, I wasn’t just building muscle; I was building resilience.

The world didn’t magically become fair, and rejections didn’t disappear, but I stopped letting them control me.

Reinventing Yourself

Life threw me another curveball not long after: hair loss. I felt like George Costanza from Seinfeld. Short and balding? It seemed like a cosmic joke. But here’s the thing: life isn’t fair, and it never will be. You can’t control the cards you’re dealt, but you can change how you play them.

Think of yourself like a house. Sure, you can’t change the size of the foundation, but you can renovate everything else. You can upgrade your interior, boost your curb appeal, and build something you’re proud of.

For me, that meant focusing on my unique strengths. I doubled down on what made me valuable: my humor, my drive, my confidence. Here’s a truth I learned along the way: people are drawn to confidence and character more than any superficial trait. The moment you stop apologizing for who you are, the world starts taking notice.

Drawing Inspiration From Colonel Sanders

Consider Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC. At 65, after countless business failures, he decided to share his fried chicken recipe with the world. He faced over 1,009 rejections before finally hearing a “yes.” Imagine the grit it took to keep going when most of us would’ve quit after 10.

His story is a testament to resilience. Whether in business or relationships, failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. Every rejection gets you closer to success.

To My Fellow Short Kings

If you’re feeling the weight of rejection or insecurity, I get it. I’ve been there. Life isn’t always fair, but it’s not about fairness—it’s about adaptation.

Reinvention doesn’t mean changing who you are; it means amplifying your best qualities. Work on your confidence, build your skills, and surround yourself with people who see your worth. Let go of those who don’t.

Confidence isn’t born—it’s built. Brick by brick, step by step, you can create a version of yourself that you’re proud of.

I’m not here to tell you that being short doesn’t suck sometimes. It does. But it doesn’t have to define your story. You are more than your height, your hairline, or any other superficial trait. You’re your humor, your strength, and your resilience.

So, to my fellow short kings: stop blaming the cards and start playing the game. Renovate yourself into something extraordinary. Life isn’t about fairness—it’s about reinvention.

You’ve got this. Now go show the world what you’re made of.