Rejection

Overcoming Rejection: Tips on How to Move On

A fear of rejection is a common emotional experience that can bring up painful memories. From the pain of not being chosen for certain roles to relationships going sour, understanding how to cope with rejection can help us overcome the fear and move on with our lives. This article will provide tips on how to navigate feelings of rejection.

Tips for Coping with Rejection:

  • Acknowledge your feelings. Accept and recognize that rejection causes hurtful feelings. Allowing yourself to experience and feel this emotion is an important first step.
  • Question your thoughts. Look for ways to reframe the rejection or put it into perspective. For example, if someone does not reciprocate romantic feelings towards you, it could be because they are not the right person for you.
  • Learn from the experience. Drawing on the wisdom from experiences of rejection can help us make better decisions in the future.
  • Limit comparisons. Avoid comparing your circumstances to others in order to feel better. Reactions to rejection can vary from person to person.
  • Seek support. If you need someone to talk to, consider notifying a close friend, family member, or counsellor.
  • Unplug from social media. Spend intentional time away from social media and its content, if needed.
  • Focus on yourself. Engage in activities that make you feel good and that remind you of your strengths and capabilities.
  • Reflect on the experience. Try to identify reflections you can take away from the event or situation. What can you learn from the experience in order to grow?
  • Focus on the present. Understanding and accepting the phrase ‘this too shall pass’ can help us stay in the present.
  • Give yourself time. Self-care is important, and a healthy break may be needed to overcome feelings of disappointment.

These tips on how to cope with rejection can help us all build skills on how to navigate our reactions and learn how to move on from trying times. Rejection can be painful, however we can use these tips to help us become stronger and take further steps towards our goals.