If there was one topic I would say I have the authority to discuss, it would be rejection.Throughout my journey, I’ve faced many ups and downs. At times the downs seems more than the ups, which can be overwhelming.
Often the people who you think “have it all” are people who have endured the most rejection. Not everyone who’s on top today got there with success after success. Their beginnings weren’t always smooth and they often had to face great obstacles and ridicule.
Rejection is one of the most brutal stakes to the heart because it deals a direct hit to the ego. There are few experiences more painful than being rejected. Dealing with rejection can be tough. A lot of people would chose physical pain rather than being rejected. Our basic human need to belong causes these incidents to stick with us throughout the years.
If you are charting a new path in a forested area expect rejection. Many of us have stifled our dreams by heeding some misguided critic who implied we were not good enough. Rejection is unavoidable in a creative life. Learning how to deal with rejection will keep you from plummeting into a place of immobilizing despair.
Overcoming Rejection
Keep in mind that you will probably never get rid of rejection; you may be rejected many times until the end of your life. Rejection on the whole is painful but viewing rejection as necessary and even positive will help you overcome it that much more easily.
- Have a vision and don’t let anything or anyone deter you from following it. Take Courage. Put full steam into the next best opportunity you are working on.
- Keep a positive mental attitude. Pick up the pieces and dust yourself off. Stay motivated. When one door closes,try another door. Keep trying sooner or later the right door will open.
- Don’t take it personally. Rejection is not a measure of your self–worth. When somebody rejects you, sometimes they are acting on their own insecurities and fears.
Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you ~Oscar Wilde
- Avoid over thinking the rejection. Don’t torture yourself repeatedly, reliving the moments of humiliation and thinking what you could have done to counteract it. If you keep picking at a scab, the wound would keep bleeding and you will never heal.
- Nothing happens before it’s time. Accept it was never meant for you at that point in time. When we get rejected we trap ourselves in a moment of doubt and distress. Don’t feel sorry for yourself and slump into an attitude of self-pity.
- Rejection offers us a chance to evolve through and learn from our experiences. Focus on professional and personal (spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) development. Life is not fair so develop thicker skin. Adversity may make or break you, but it certainly reveals you.
- Have Faith and Trust God to direct your steps – You weren’t rejected…You were divinely redirected. Things may look dismal, you may get disappointed but don’t be discouraged.When you look back you will say “Thank God!” that you didn’t settle for less. There was better in store.
5 Benefits of Rejection
1. It gets you fired up as it gives you something to prove – Harrison Ford: In his first film, Ford was told by the movie execs that he simply didn’t have what it takes to be a star. It added fire to the fuel as it gave him something to prove.
2. It makes you more creative – In 1919, Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star. According to his editor, he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” You will find new ways to market yourself and your product.
3. It makes you work harder – Michael Jordan – “I think that not making the Varsity team drove me to really work at my game, and also taught me that if you set goals, and work hard to achieve them—the hard work can pay off.”
4. It develops your character – Your response to rejection shows how you respond when things don’t go my way. Are you able to let go or do you become resentful? You also will be more supportive to others facing similar struggles.
5. It builds strength – Today, Abraham Lincoln is remembered as one of the greatest leaders. However, rejection followed him in much of his early life. It did however better prepare him to handle ridicule in the public eye.
“Rejection is the sand in the oyster, the irritant that ultimately produces the pearl.” ~Burke Wilkinson
Remember, although the road may seem long and winding there is a prize waiting at the finish line for you and all those who rejected you, will have to join in applauding you. Never give up, for you just may be one step away from achieving your dream.