Have you ever felt down due to a failure even after you gave your best?
Or does your professional rejection feel like a personal failure?
Or does your life’s disappointment feel like a heavy blow to your self-worth?
Honestly, feeling disappointed is totally normal, but it's important to remember that rejections or failures don't define who you are.
I used to take rejections or professional failures really hard.
In my starting phase, I often thought, "If they didn't want me, then I must not be good enough."
But in reality, that's just not true.
It's a common experience to feel disheartened after facing failures, especially in professional settings. However, it's crucial to understand that these setbacks don't define your worth or potential.
Studies show that many successful people have faced rejection countless times before they achieved their goals.
A great example is that of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Dhoni worked as a Railways Ticket Examiner during the years 2000 to 2003 and was then selected for the Indian Cricket Team in the year 2004. Today Mahendra Singh Dhoni is considered to be one of the best captains of the Indian Cricket Team in all three forms of the game, and his records are the best among all Indian captains to date.
This newsletter will help you to differentiate between rejection and self-worth, and help you figure out those strategies to find your self worth.
But, first thing first…
What is The Personal Impact of Rejection 🤔
❌ Self-Doubt: Rejection or failure in general has proven to lead you to self-doubt, often triggering you to keep questioning your abilities and values. As per a study published by the National Institutes of Health, it was found that individuals who experience frequent rejection may be more likely to develop lower self-esteem.
❌ Emotional Toll: Another impact often seen with failure is the emotional toll that comes with it. The toll has been time and time again proven to be significant, leading to feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration. These negative emotions then get clubbed together and start impacting your overall well-being and productivity.
❌ Fear of Failure: The fear of the future is also one such impact that adds up to rejection. It also sometimes prevents you from taking risks or pursuing your goals. Thus limiting your personal and professional growth.
If there is so much impact happening on a personal level from a professional rejection, then how can you differentiate rejections from self worth?
Here are 3 core concepts you should be focusing more on instead:
✔️ Rejection is a Decision, Not a Reflection: It's important to remember that rejection or any particular failure is often a decision made by another person based on various factors, that are beyond your control. Sure, you can prepare for it but you cannot control the mind that ultimately makes the decision. It, however, does not reflect your personal values or abilities.
✔️ Your Strengths Should Be Your Focus: Shift your focus to your strengths, accomplishments, and positive qualities. This way you will be able to recognize your worth, which can help you manage the impact of rejection.
✔️ Learn from the Experience: View rejection as an opportunity for growth and learning. You need to reframe all failures you come across as a stepping stone to success. Analyze the situation to identify areas for improvement and apply these insights to your future.
Sounds easier said than done. Right?
Let me simplify it even further with practical strategies that will help you overcome that failure from a personal or professional setting:
➡️ Don't take it personally: Always remember that any failures you face today are often based on factors that have nothing to do with your abilities. The world doesn’t revolves around you and everything is not going to be about you. So, before taking things personally, try to understand the reason for rejection. Once you figure that out, only then, should you take action accordingly.
➡️ Talk to someone: When you share your experiences of rejection or failure that is bothering you internally, it can help you alleviate those feelings that are keeping you stuck in a place. Connect with friends, family, or mentors who can offer emotional support and encouragement.
➡️ Take a break. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to take a break from thinking about that rejection or failure. Go for a walk, watch a movie, or spend time doing something you love.
➡️ Focus on your strengths: Take a pen and paper and write down a list of things you are good at. Next, write down your passions. Followed by a list of all the things you're proud of. This will help you to remember your value as a person.
➡️ Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities in your life to maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that you enjoy, whether it is exercising, any particular hobby, or even spending time in nature.
➡️ Set Realistic Expectations: Next time avoid setting unrealistic expectations for yourself. Understand that rejection is a normal part of life. Success often requires you to persevere and be resilient.
➡️ Challenge Negative Thoughts: When faced with negative thoughts about failure, challenge them with positive affirmations and evidence of your capabilities. Because we often forget that the impact you are currently facing due to any rejection or failure is a mental blockage that needs to be dealt with counter thoughts.
➡️ Focus on the Future: Instead of dwelling on past rejections, focus on your future goals and opportunities. Set your attention ahead of you and stop looking back. Rewire those failures as a stepping stone and then set new objectives. This way you will be able to take proactive actions to achieve them.
While rejection can be a difficult experience, you must know that it does not define your self-worth.
Remember, you are worthy of success, no matter what anyone else says.
Don't let one or two failures hold you back from achieving your dreams.
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