AFA #7: Handling Rejection

This week's newsletter is a short but sweet reminder of how to overcome hurdles in life that remind us that we are human and sometimes things don't work out the way we envisioned.

Rejection is no easy emotion to face, no matter who you are.?

I’ve worked hard to prove myself for a particular opportunity and still have not succeeded.

I’ve introduced myself to the right people and was still not invited to important events.?

I’ve shown vulnerability to certain people who I thought I could trust, who were not there when I needed them most.?

There were even times when I knew I was the best candidate but was still overlooked.?

No one is immune to rejection and let’s face it – it hurts. But fearing rejection can hold you back from taking more risks or big moves that could lead to your breakthrough.?

I often tell the story about how I went into luxury retail because my contract at ELLE Magazine was not renewed. I thought that the sales job at Saks was for survival, but it was for redirection then elevation.

It’s very hard for me to separate rejection from timing because I strongly believe there is a correlation. You could be the right person but it’s just not your timing. Don’t let rejection disguise itself as a failure.?

The good news about rejection is that it can be overcome with the right mindset.?

I’m learning to take a pragmatic approach to get over the commonality of rejection. Hopefully, these steps can also help you cope in your way.

1. Acknowledge that it happened. It’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about but to accept and move on you need to recognise what did not work out.?
2. Reach out to someone who makes you feel loved and heard, like a family member or friend. Positive distractions are amazing reliefs.?
3. Avoid dwelling on your immediate thoughts and try expressing how you feel out loud. It can be to yourself or someone else but allow yourself a physical release.?
4. Use facts to understand the rejection. This helps a lot with avoiding negative thoughts and self-blame.

“Often, out of our greatest rejection comes our greatest direction.”

- Joel Osteen

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please make sure to subscribe and share! Feel free to send me a message on your questions, struggles, achievements or feedback you want me to include in an upcoming newsletter (I will keep all the features anonymous).

Sincerely,

#newsletter #personalgrowth #rejection #linkedincreator