How To Overcome The Fear Of Rejection

Yes! Rejection hurts, and sometimes there isn’t much that can be done about it. 

It is natural to connect and bond with people, especially those you care about. However, being rejected by such people can make you feel very sad and depressed. If you allow the feeling of rejection to dampen your self-worth and hold you back from living your life, its consequences may be dire, as small as they may be in reality. In fact, dealing with rejection in unhealthy ways can negatively impact your personal relationships.

Studies show that rejection activates the same regions in the brain that physical pain does. We may have suffered rejection one way or the other, and it could push us into constant worry if help from a professional is not sought. 

Below are five tips for overcoming the fear of rejection.

1.Believe in and remind yourself of your worth. 

Building up self-confidence and self-worth can help you remember that you’re worthy of love, leading you to feel less afraid of continuing your search for it. Everyone has unique characteristics that make them stand out from others. Hence, do not allow the actions of someone else to make you feel less about yourself. 

  1. Look for the learning opportunity.

Rejection can provide some opportunities for growth. For instance, when you apply for a job you want, even though you do not have most of the skills required to get the job and you are not called after the interview, this should push you to acquire new skills that will help you stand out amongst other candidates should you apply for another job with a similar description. Even though you might feel bad at first, you will eventually notice that you need to acquire some new skills to get you well equipped for the job market. After some months, you realize this new knowledge will eventually open doors to new well-paid positions you were not qualified for in the past.

  1. Figure out what really scares you about rejection.

Exploring what’s really behind your fear of rejection can help you address that specific worry. Maybe you’re afraid of romantic rejection because you don’t want to feel lonely. Recognizing this can also help you prioritize developing strong friendships, which can help you avoid loneliness. Perhaps you are worried about being rejected by potential employers because you don’t have a backup plan. Outlining a few potential strategies in case you don’t find the job you want right away may be beneficial.

  1. Reject negative self-talk.

Positive thinking does not make every situation turn out the way you expected it to, but it can help improve your perspective. When you encourage and support yourself, you’re more likely to believe in your own potential to achieve your goals. And if things don’t work out, practice self-compassion by telling yourself what you would tell a loved one in the same situation.

  1. Lean on your support network.

Spending time with people who care about you through their actions can reinforce your knowledge that you are wanted. A good support network encourages you when you try to achieve your goals and comforts you when your efforts fail. Knowing that your loved ones have your back, no matter what happens, can make the possibility of rejection seem less scary.

It’s quite possible to overcome the fear of rejection on your own, but professional support is always beneficial. You are encouraged to seek professional help if the fear of rejection you experience causes you to feel distressed, anxious, have panic attacks, and prevents you from doing the necessary things in your life.

Forty Lives is readily available to provide counselling support should you experience the fear of rejection. Do not hesitate to call our hotline on 0551274646 or reach out to us via FortyLivesGH on Twitter and FortyLives on Instagram.

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