How to deal with rejection

Many successful people have faced rejection before achieving what they are now known for. The point is this: rejection does not have to be the end of the story.

Do not give in to “the committee”, which continually feeds you negative voices within and tells you that you have failed. Someone else’s opinion of you is just that. It’s an opinion and not a fact.

Sure, it isn’t easy when we have set our heart on something, and it falls through, or it is taken away. Yes, it is disappointing. It’s so easy to give in to the negative voices that want you to be nothing but mediocre. It’s so easy to take rejection personally.

Do not give in. Be courageous and keep believing.

Success is rarely just about talent. It often needs focus, discipline, effort and resilience.

Stop doubting yourself. Plant a seed of hope inside your mind; let it grow, nurture it and cherish it. Don’t fall back into the old pattern of saying, “I screwed up, I made a mistake, I am not good enough.”

Commit to becoming the best version of yourself. Rejection can prepare you for stepping into a brand new way of living, thinking and being.

Break-ups happen. Redundancy happens. Interviews don’t go the way you want them to. Requests for a raise are turned down. Friends reject our opinions. Long-term contracts come to an end. Manuscripts get rejected.

Don’t let rejection cast a shadow on your dreams

Don’t let any rejections you encounter today cast a shadow on your dreams for tomorrow.

Try not to wallow in self-pity, or moan and groan to your friends for too long.

It is as it is. It is a part of life, and everyone will have had many rejections. But look back on them and think, “Wow, I am so pleased that didn’t happen, as I wouldn’t have met this person or I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

From today, try to view rejection as a redirection. Sometimes something better appears.

My favourite saying is, “We polish here and over there it shines.”

Someone wise said to me once, “How are you?” I said, “I’m good, thanks.” He replied, “This too shall pass.” I burst out laughing.

Life will always throw rejection at us, and we will face many disappointments. I will be disappointed, you will be disappointed, but what I know for sure is that it will pass.

Make it happen - it’s your time to shine.