Rejection is Redirection
Graphic by Ben DeAcetis
Rejection can be defeating and leave us questioning our worth. Whether it be a job or internship, a relationship, a friendship, an application or an idea, rejection can really hurt. In those moments of hurt, it's important to remember that rejection isn’t the end, but the start of something new.
“Rejection is a blessing because it's the universe’s way of telling you there's something better out there” - Michelle Phan
Rejection often paves the way for new opportunities that are meant for you, even though it may not feel like it at the moment. It is easy to look at the negative side of rejection, like all the time you feel you wasted or not getting what you want. However, what you want may not be what you need.
There are many lessons you can take away from rejection. I remember a time where I expected to get a position on a team, so I did not work as hard for it. In the end, I did not get the position, but I learned to never expect anything and to always work hard.
Another positive outcome from this rejection experience was that I was placed on a different team where I met my lifelong friends. This is one of many instances in my life where rejection brought me better things.
If you think about all the times you have faced rejection, think about what has happened since that rejection. You may have met someone new, experienced something you never thought you would, moved to a new city, or found a job that you love.
A great way to deal with rejection is to use this thinking process or write this down:
Acknowledge your emotions about being rejected
Think about the positives of the rejection
Identify the lesson
Reframe the feelings of rejection
Remind yourself of your value
All it takes is a shift in perspective. It takes trust and confidence that there is more out there for you. Rejection does not mean you are not good enough, it likely means what rejected you was not good enough for you.