Unfortunately, at some point down the line, you’re bound to feel the sharp sting of rejection. Whether you just got dumped, let go from your job, or snubbed at a party”getting turned down, or looked over is a part of life. And while you can’t completely escape or avoid feeling rejected, you can learn how to deal with it and keep life’s little brush-offs from getting the best of you. Here are some tips on how to stay positive when you’re feeling less than 100 percent.
Don’t Take it Personally
Most of the time rejection has nothing to do with how talented, smart, pretty, qualified or amazing you are. If your friend skips out on girl’s night because she’s burnt out from work, or the guy you’re chatting up at the bar ditches you mid-sentence when his girlfriend shows up, it’s fairly obvious that these situations hold no bearing on your overall worth. Keep in mind that a lot of the time, rejection has more to do with the other person than it has to do with you.
You’re Not Alone
Absolutely no one is safe from the pain and embarrassment of rejection. When you’re feeling unwanted or let down, remember that you’re not alone”many before you, and many after you will share similar horror stories and experiences. Remember when MTV very publically dropped Lauren Conrad’s new show, and only after she had started filming it? Do you see her locked in her bedroom, crying into her pillow? No. The girl is busier than ever, releasing multiple clothing lines, penning novels, and blogging for Forbes. Other people have lived through rejection, and so can you.
Live and Learn
If you still haven’t gotten a callback three weeks after a nail-biting interview for your dream job, take the time to look back and consider what you might have done wrong”then step up your game, and apply again. It also wouldn’t hurt to follow up and find out more about exactly what they’re looking for, and in turn, help rule out what they’re not. Like all nightmare situations in life, rejection can serve as a valuable learning experience. Just make sure you recognize this opportunity, and take full advantage of it.
Stay Confident
Don’t let getting turned down affect how you feel about yourself. Remember that you are so much more than your mistakes or supposed shortcomings. Stay strong and proud of who you are, and don’t let rejection mess with your self-esteem or your drive to succeed. Remain positive, count your blessings and try to take the occasional roadblocks in stride.
Keep Going
No matter how many times you hear no, or get passed over, don’t give up on yourself. Feeling humbled or cast aside can only add to making you stronger, if you let it. While you can’t get your ex to fall back in love with you, or force your boss into giving you a raise, you can keep going”find a new guy, enjoy singledom, make a new career move, or wow your boss into upping your salary. Whatever you do, don’t throw in the towel.
