Handling the Sting of Rejection

This quick read includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take immediately. ?

It also includes a list of suggested readings for even more information.

TOP TIPS

It hurts when something you are offering is not wanted; especially if that something is you. A range of emotions arise from rejection, including embarrassment, sadness, jealousy, anxiety, guilt, shame, and anger.

Did you know the emotional pain of rejection and pain from physical injuries appear similar on an MRI scan? In other words, your brain does not distinguish between a broken bone and hurt feelings. That is why it is important to deal with rejection in a healthy way.

Source: Eisenberger, Lieberman, and Williams, Science 2003 (social pain); Lieberman et. al., Neuroimage 2004 (physical pain)

Rejection hurts us only if we allow our minds to dwell on it.

Here are nine methods that can help you cope with the sting of rejection, so you limit the pain you experience.

?1.??? Think like a Successful Salesperson

The best salespeople understand that when they hear a "no" from a prospect, they are one step closer to hearing "yes." They understand that persistence will eventually lead to success. Adopt that same attitude. Rejection stinks. But it is nothing more than a momentary experience. Don't give up because acceptance might be right around the corner.

?2.??? Accept It and Move On

Don't let negative emotions linger. Process them and move on. Accept that this has happened, learn any lessons you can, and embrace the expectation of a better tomorrow.

?3.??? Your Best Life Requires Rejection

The most outstanding achievements require risk. If you go through life taking no risks and staying hidden in your limiting comfort zone, you will never experience all the fulfillment, success, and rewards you deserve. Risk is related to rewards and rejection. Risk is related to rewards and rejection. View rejection as a sign that you are taking calculated risks and working towards a better life.

?4.??? Remember, Rejection Is Not a Mirror

When things don't go your way, that's not a statement about who you are. It's just something that happened. Don't let rejection define you. It's nothing more than an event; positive events are out there waiting for you to experience them.

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5.??? Move Your Body

Exercise is a free and natural antidepressant. It can help you recover from the sting of being rejected. Physical movement flushes harmful toxins and waste material from your body. Your brain rewards this healthy behavior by flooding your system with chemicals that make you feel good. Exercise is proven to lower stress and promote a better emotional outlook.

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6.??? Look for the Lessons

Did you get turned down for a promotion? Did your dream date say no when you asked him out? Whatever type of rejection you experience, learn from it. Life is an excellent teacher if you are smart enough to recognize the lessons it is showing you.

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7.??? Plan For Possible Failure

Thinking positively has been linked to higher levels of success than thinking negatively. While you should have a positive attitude, planning for possible rejection is also wise. Put a plan in place in case things don't go your way. It will be easier to process your emotions.

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8.??? Look at It from Another Angle

Look at this painful experience with a new perspective. Put yourself in the shoes of the person that rejected you. Ask your friends to give you their insight. A new viewpoint might reveal things you overlooked. This can ease the sting of the rejection.

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9.??? Remember, You Are Amazing

You are worthy of a great life. You deserve wonderful experiences. Look back on the successes, positive experiences, and uplifting memories you have created. This is just a speed bump. You will move past it effortlessly because you deserve the best life offers.

FAST-ACTION STEPS

• Step outside of your emotions. Get a different viewpoint. Ask others what they think about your reaction to rejection. Ask yourself if it is appropriate. A new perspective can help you process your emotions.

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• Look at rejection as a teacher. What can you learn from it? Learning lessons from actions that lead to failure can keep you from repeating those mistakes in the future.

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• Tell yourself this is a singular event. It is not who you are. Don't let rejection define you. Tell yourself you can move on and create better outcomes in the future.

ADDITIONAL READINGS

1.??? The Discarded: Overcoming Rejection

https://www.amazon.com/Discarded-Overcoming-Rejection-Juan-Garcia-ebook/dp/B09TV2GGR6

?2.??? Reject Rejection: Strategies for overcoming the hidden barriers of rejection.

https://www.amazon.com/Reject-Rejection-Strategies-overcoming-rejection/dp/1545297673

3.??? Help I'm Not Supposed to Be Here: Overcoming rejection and abandonment.

https://www.amazon.com/Help-Not-Supposed-Here-abandonment/dp/1543024874

4.??? Overcoming Rejection Will Make You Rich: 12 Ways to Turn Rejection into Unlimited Abundance, Success, and Freedom

https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Rejection-Will-Make-Rich/dp/0976276526

5.??? Why am I Afraid to Love? Overcoming Rejection and Indifference https://www.amazon.com/Why-Afraid-Love-Overcoming-Indifference/dp/0883473224

ABOUT RONDA

Ronda?is a learning and development professional. She helps organizations to?“fix people problems" with solutions that combine behavioral neuroscience (how the brain works) with the art of performance improvement (how people work). She helps leaders become proficient in hiring the right people for the right role, inspiring employees to do their best and aligning the talent strategy with the business strategy to meet or exceed business goals.

She is the founder of Retain My Team and the Legendary Leaders Club?.