Rejection-Proof Your Career

3 Tips to Rejection-Proof Your Career

Going after a big dream or goal – whether it’s asking for the promotion, looking for a new job, going full-time as an entrepreneur, or finding the love of your life – requires putting yourself out there.

Understandably, this can make us feel vulnerable and fearful of rejection. But you don’t have to let that fear take the driver’s seat in your life and prevent you from going after your dreams.

Here are 3 ways to handle and overcome rejection:

1️⃣ Check Yourself! (Is this rejection real or perceived?) – Many times, a perceived slight is really just in our heads. Ask yourself – Is this thought true? Do I know for sure it’s true? And look for evidence that it’s not. (If overthinking and negative thoughts are consuming your headspace, I highly recommend the work of Byron Katie.)

2️⃣ Don’t Take Anything Personally (because it never is) – Even the most personal-seeming interactions are not personal. Give people the benefit of the doubt and assume best intentions. We’re all dealing with a lot, and we’re all afraid of rejection ourselves. If you hear a “no” from someone, it likely has nothing to do with you.

3️⃣ Learn and Let Go – Do your best to learn from the situation and make your next effort even better. See rejection as an opportunity to grow and to get even better prepared for that perfect opportunity that is on it’s way to you. Know that every “no” gets you closer to your “YES.”

Now I want to hear from you! Tell me in the comments: Where does fear of rejection come up for you – and how do you handle it?