Getting Over Rejection

The fear of rejection is a natural human response, after all we are biologically wired with a longing to be accepted. We fear being seen in a critical way and we fear the prospect of being cut off, demeaned, or isolated.

Its natural to fear rejection, but if you look at the consequences of rejection in a simple, introspective term it can help alleviate a lot of the fear.

I think people always have this tendency to overestimate the consequences of getting rejected. When it comes to applying for a job, college, perhaps trying out something new, maybe you want to ask that hot guy or girl out for a date, or maybe you want to re-kindle those old pipe-dreams, people have a natural tendency to stop themselves out of fear of getting rejected. When you endure your first break up or lose your job you think, “This is the worst thing in the world. I will never be able to get over this and will never be able to [date/get a better job] ever again.” Of course, that’s not really true. Yes, breaking up and losing your job hurts. I know. But in the long-run it will help you build yourself into a stronger, more resilient person. Look at yourself. How do your beliefs around possible rejection influence your behaviors? How does the possibility of rejection change your actions? How does it change your future?

After a long time I decided to get over my fears of rejection because of this…

The only kind of rejection that’ll ever kill you is one that follows after an organ transplant. So go ahead and follow your dreams.”

That ingenious quote was created by me, thank you very much.

Okay, I know I know. Just because rejection won’t kill you doesn't mean it won’t hurt you.

Its absolutely fine to calculate the risks, benefits, and emotional factors before making a decision. In fact, I’d encourage you to think before you act. But just remember, its good to step back and reflect on the bigger picture of things and how this all actually impacts your life. Most of the time we overestimate the fear and consequences of rejection. Don’t let this fear dictate your life. Realize that sometimes we have the tendency to blow things out of proportion. Knowing this can keep the feelings of fear and rejection under control. Life is short, so go out there and take some risks.