Turning Rejection into Growth: 4 Tips for Embracing and Overcoming Setbacks

Art by Brian Taylor for the Chronicle

I've been dealing with a lot of rejection lately. The world has gotten so much bigger and I'm having a hard time keeping up.

1. View the Rejection as a Piece of Constructive Criticism

I would be lying if I said that these rejections didn't hurt, but I'm choosing to see it as a blessing in disguise. Another opportunity will present itself, and I'll be prepared to tackle it. The more rejections I get, the more feedback I receive.

2. Focus on the Bigger Picture

I am constantly reminding myself, "God has a plan." When he closed a door to me, I wasn't meant to be in that room. Just because today brought rejection, doesn't mean tomorrow will. If you were not meant for that thing, you will find something else you fit better.

3. Be Calm, Patient, and Still

   
   

I don't know what my path is or who or where I'm meant to be yet, and I just need to trust the process. It's alright to be upset, but don't be so upset that it ruins the rest of your life. Things will always work themselves out and we just need to accept that.

4. Take a Walk

I feel like I've wasted so much time living in my head that I've missed a lot of the world around me. Refamiliarize yourself with nature. Life is beautiful, even if it hurts sometimes.