How To Handle Rejection

Did you put yourself out there this month?

Did you step outside your comfort zone and feel empowered afterwards?  Or did you shy away from an opportunity? Doing something new, whether that's putting yourself forward at work, rearranging your romantic life or embarking on that new lifestyle can bring with it a little uncertainty. But it needn't stop you from going forward.

There has never been a better time to make the most of yourself and one way to do that is by coming to terms with rejection.

1. Natural selection

We reject items we don't want, ideas we don't like and opportunities we don't see fit. Rejection is as much a part of our world as is approval. It drives a healthy system of competition and ensures a high standard of quality.

2. Nothing is personal

If someone declines an offer from you, while their decision can give you an insight into their needs, wants and preferences it doesn’t say anything about you personally. Likewise, when you pay someone a compliment, or decline an offer, that choice is a reflection of you, rather than of the other person.

3. Spot the opportunity

The Japanese have the same word for crisis as they do opportunity. If the job didn't come through, the date didn't call back, or it just didn't work out, could it be that something better is around the corner? Wash your hands, be confident that what you have to offer is worth it, and try again.

“When someone tells me "no," it doesn't mean I can't do it, it simply means I can't do it with them.” Karen E. Quinones Miller

 

4. Take perspective

Being mindful and centred can help you avoid getting caught up in the thoughts and perceptions that come up surrounding the rejection event. Take 5 minutes to re-centre yourself, ground yourself in a new perspective. Whether that means doing your go to mindful breathing exercises, or heading out for a run.

“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.” - Sylvia PlathWe reject things on a daily basis

5. The Begin Again Mindset

If you get the sense that you aren't living life to your fullest potential, enjoying enough new experiences or feeling enough love; tackling your fear and limiting beliefs could be the most important thing you do for your self this year.

There is no such thing as failure only feedback and never is this truer then when you are putting yourself out there or trying something new.

A few smart cognitive-changes can leave you feeling freer and more confident which means you'll be able to feel the fear (of rejection), and do it anyway.

If it doesn't go to plan, begin again tomorrow.

Begin again to the summoning birds
to the sight of light at the window,
begin to the roar of morning traffic
all along Pembroke Road.
Every beginning is a promise
born in light and dying in dark
determination and exaltation of springtime
flowering the way to work.

 

Brendan Kennelly

I hope this article has given you some useful tips on how to manage anxiety over rejection and get the most out of the opportunities in your life. Please do let me know whether or not you found it helpful by leaving a comment at the end of this article before you go. I promise not to take it personally

I've also started pinning some of my favourite self help books on Pinterest so feel free to check them out and to ‘pin’ and share the images in this blog too!

These and many more insights will be included in my upcoming Fearless Living Classes and if you'd like to stay up dated click here to receive a reminder when the first class comes out.

Emma Mills

Emma Mills

Emma Mills is a meditation teacher with a passion for finding & sharing thoughtful and intelligent ideas for living well, inspired by the arts, psychology & mindfulness.

in Ideas for Happiness, Ideas To Ease Stress, Meditation