Overcoming Rejection
The fear of rejection keeps people from getting the things they really want. Approval is important to most people, which is why when faced with rejection people tend to get angry or retreat. This then leads to people living "inside the box" because they start to allow the fear of rejection to lead them. Rejection is just a part of life and instead of fearing it - allow it to motivate you. Life is about remaining hopeful during the highs and the lows. Without rejection you would not know what you truly desire or how to pivot to receive what is meant for you. As the saying goes - “when one door closes another one opens.” My hope is that the following 3 practical tips help you move forward with overcoming rejection.
1: Keep Trying Until You Get It.
Never give up! Many people have probably told you this a gazillion times, but it is still such a motivating phrase. You have to keep trying until you get whatever your heart desires. For every “No” you hear there will be that one resounding “YES” that will make the difference. Rejection teaches us to work a little harder than we did before to get where we want to go. You may not know how close you are to getting what you want, so do not give up. Get comfortable with leaving your comfort zone. Your comfort zone is a nice comfy place to reside in, but it does not grant you new experiences that can add to your life. Try finding different ways to go about reaching your goals. You will not always come out as the victor and you will eventually face rejection. It can be hard to get up after being knocked down, but please trust that you will reap the benefits when you keep trying.
2: Rejection Builds Resilience.
One of the greatest character attributes is resilience. You have to build resilience to remain strong throughout the many obstacles you will face within your lifetime. Rejection helps to strengthen your tenacity and fuels your motivation to keep striving towards your deepest desires. Persistence pays off in the end and if you remain adamant about what you want then nothing can keep it from you. Resiliency is the ability to overcome challenges of all kinds and to bounce back stronger and wiser. You are never starting over, you are instead restarting with experience that will help you navigate. In the midst of allowing rejection to build your resilience, practice being kind to yourself. We tend to show more kindness to others than we do to ourselves. Be gentle with yourself and remember that you are worthy. Forgive yourself if you made a mistake that led to you being rejected because the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.
3: Try Not to Take It Personal.
The Spirit of Offense is rampant within the current state of society. The ability to not take everything personally is a gift because it allows you to be free from resentment and unforgiveness. You might feel a cascade of emotions when you encounter rejection, so know that however you feel is valid. Nevertheless, you have the power to choose your attitude and to control your response. Rejection is feared because people like to feel secure, wanted, and validated. Sometimes someone will not see eye-to-eye with you or an opportunity is simply not meant for you. Shift your perspective to view rejection as redirection. It can never strip away your inherent self-worth. If you do not allow yourself to feel victimized or insecure due to rejection then you are aware that the source of rejection is not a reflection of who you are. Rejection can help you develop true strength in unapologetically being you. Not taking rejection personally leaves room for joy to look forward to what is on its way to you.
Joy Gem: Rejection is deepening your resilience, strengthening your resolve to keep going, and redirecting you to what has your name on it.
