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How to Bounce Back From Rejection

Updated: Apr 28, 2021





I know you’ve been rejected.


It’s okay...we all have.


Rejection hurts.


And some of the deepest rejections involve the ones we face in our career--especially if you care about your work.


It makes sense. You invest time, energy, and expertise into your work. And when it’s not recognized, or you’re not the candidate selected, it’s easy to take that “no” personally.



Rejection Hurts for a Reason...But It Shouldn’t Hold You Back


According to Psychology Today, it’s not that you’re weak or need to whip yourself into shape when it comes to rejection. Rejection is hard wired to hurt us, and our brain is set up to remember that pain. Rejection piggybacks on physical pain pathways in the brain. fMRI studies show that the same areas of the brain become activated when we experience rejection as when we experience physical pain. This is why rejection hurts so much (neurologically speaking). In fact, our brains respond so similarly to rejection and physical pain that…


In some ways, it can be inhumane to think you “just need to get over rejection and toughen up”.


We put ourselves through a constant uphill battle--to find the right job, to say the right thing, to connect with the right person--only to find ourselves again rejected.


This can hurt not only our progress towards finding the right role but also can hurt our confidence, self-worth, and self-value. Rejection may affect us in ways that we aren’t even consciously aware...



Three Things To Remember About Rejection


Here are 3 things to consider next time you are hurt by rejection. Keep these in mind and it will be easier to deal with rejection and move forward in your life and career.


What’s for you, is for you!!


Although they didn’t teach us this in school, let me tell you a little secret about being an adult: You can do, be, have or create anything you desire.


And yes, sometimes it doesn’t come the way you think. You got passed over what you thought was the dream job meant for you. But, guess what? That rejection only means a better opportunity is awaiting you.



Eliminate “Can’t” From Your Dictionary


The only way to fail is to give up. Once you limit yourself by saying you “can’t” do something you are letting rejection beat you.


While rejection may give you that temporary hurt, don’t let it leave a permanent mark on how you feel about your abilities.



Own Who You Are


Know that you are more than just your career. Chances are, you have a lot going for you in many aspects in your life. So a rejection--as big as it may feel in the moment--is a mere drop in the bucket when you put it into perspective.


When you’re dealing with a recent rejection, remind yourself of all the good you have to offer in your career, family, and friendships. Celebrate your successes and let go of those rejections.


“Look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, what do I want to do everyday for the rest of my life…do that.” – Gary Vaynerchuk


In 2021, there is absolutely no reason you need to do anything less than what you want. Unsure of what your next steps are? Why not book a free ten minute call with me.


Let’s work together to see how we can improve your life and career.

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