![\"Overcoming](\"https:\/\/si.keen.com\/d1_emotions-rejection_V1.png\")
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As much as we may tell ourselves that we don\u2019t\u00a0need anyone\u2019s approval, beneath it all, we all\u00a0desire to belong, to be accepted by others, to\u00a0be loved, and desired. We\u2019re all sensitive to rejection;\u00a0each of us have experienced it before, some of us\u00a0more than others.<\/p>\n
From being picked last in kickball, or learning your\u00a0crush just wants to be friends, or another candidate\u00a0was selected for that dream job, as difficult and\u00a0unpleasant it feels, the truth is that rejection is a part\u00a0of life. Well, we\u2019ve got some bad news and some good\u00a0news. The bad news is, it\u2019s unreasonable to expect\u00a0that you won\u2019t have to deal with rejection ever again.\u00a0However, the good news is, knowing how to deal with\u00a0rejection will help you cope and recover more quickly.\u00a0The better news? You can also take control of these\u00a0negative feelings, and turn them around in your favor.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll show you how in these five steps.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1. Remember to acknowledge your emotions.<\/strong><\/p>\n Consider what it is behind the pain you\u2019re feeling. Are\u00a0you hurt by the feelings and opinions of the person\u00a0who doled out the rejection? Are you internalizing the\u00a0rejection and making it about you? The best way to<\/p>\n deal with uncomfortable emotions is to recognize\u00a0where the emotions are coming from and face them\u00a0head-on.<\/p>\n 2. Recognize that rejection means you’re living life to the fullest.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re never rejected, then you may not be living\u00a0outside of your comfort zone. Guess what? Sometimes\u00a0the best things that happen are outside of that zone.\u00a0So, don\u2019t be afraid to push those limits and embrace\u00a0the possibility of rejection here and there. No risk,\u00a0no reward.<\/p>\n 3. Treat yourself with compassion.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Respond to negative thoughts and emotions with\u00a0kinder, affirming messages. (Remember the switch\u00a0in your brain?) Whether you\u2019ve been dumped by your\u00a0recent (or long-term beau), or you\u2019ve been blindsided\u00a0by a recent firing, beating yourself up and lingering in\u00a0the hurt will only keep you down. Speak to yourself like\u00a0a trusted friend and shut out that harsh inner critic by\u00a0repeating powerful mantras that keep you strong.<\/p>\n 4. Don’t let rejection define you.<\/strong><\/p>\n You are more than your failures. Keep this in\u00a0perspective. Don\u2019t let one opinion, one incident, or even\u00a0a series of incidents define who you are. Your selfworth\u00a0is not dependent on anything or anyone else\u00a0other than you.<\/p>\n