First of all, Happy New Year to all our followers! To kick off 2016, I wanted to start with an uplifting topic—handling rejection. Now, I agree, it might not sound uplifting off-the-bat, but trust me, after reading you’ll be seeing rejection in a completely new and refreshing light.
Rejection can be difficult and it can be part of any aspect of life. School, career, relationships, finances—rejection can happen everywhere. So, what should you do when you’ve been faced with rejection?
Don’t take it personally.
This, in my humble opinion, is the most difficult. When you’re facing rejection it feels like you’re being told that you’re simply not good enough, and that alone can stop you in your tracks.
Try thinking about it this way: it’s not all about you! The other person (hiring manager, college admissions officer, etc.) is, like you, trying to do their best. They are faced with their own daily personal and professional challenges. You’ll often never know the fully story behind your rejection, so don’t assume it’s all about you.
Talk to a trusted and honest person.
Handling rejection, especially when it comes to a relationship, can be tricky.
If you find yourself in a scenario where you have direct information about the rejection, find someone you can trust. Calmly talk through your feelings with that person. Listen to what they have to say, even if it’s upsetting. Remember to breathe and not to take it personally. Every rejection is a learning opportunity.
Do something about it.
Just because you’ve been faced with rejection does not mean you should count yourself down or out!
In light of rejection, we sometimes have to acknowledge our shortcomings. Was it a school you didn’t get accepted to, a great job opportunity you didn’t get called back for, a loan you didn’t qualify for? Regardless, there is always room for improvement— and that should excite you!
Don’t give up without a fight.
Figure out your options. Make a plan. Follow through, and try again!
Shake it off and repeat. Successful people are only successful because they didn’t give up when they faced rejection. There is no reason why you can’t be one of them.
Maintain your flexibility.
This is your reality check. We don’t always get what we think we want, and many times, it’s for the best. Be open to changing your plan. Rejection has a way of nudging us toward new endeavors we may never consider otherwise.
So, next time you find yourself facing rejection, remember these helpful tips. Now, take some time and look through Next Step Academy’s Life Skills courses and continue on your path to success!