Have you ever been rejected?
Many people have experienced some kind of rejection and it changed how they feel about themselves and the world. Some were deeply hurt, while others remain crippled by the fear of being rejected again.
If you are one of those people, this article is for you!
Check out these 6 practical tips to help you conquer your fear of rejection, from an inspirational speaker and Beyond Small Talk guest, Carl Pascua.
Tip #1: Know that it is normal to be rejected
Rejection comes in many forms. It could be as big as being turned down for a dream job or as “mild” as a friend put you on “seen” when you invited them to hang out.
You see, people will experience rejection at least once in their lifetime. Rejection hurts, it’s almost inevitable. But accepting that rejection is part of life will help you deal with it.
Tip #2: Understand that fear of rejection will limit you
In an interview with NBC News, social and personality psychologist Mark Leary says concern with rejection is normal. However, the fear of rejection might prevent you from seizing good opportunities.
“But being excessively worried about it — to the point that we do not do things that might benefit us — can compromise the quality of our life,” he warned.
Don’t allow the fear of rejection to stop you from doing new things, taking risks, or chasing your dreams. If you are too scared of what other people might think of you, you might want to ask yourself, “Whose life am I living?”
Tip #3: Learn self-affirmation
No one can ever invalidate you if you have already validated yourself.
That is one of the reasons why positive self-affirmations are important. They are phrases or statements that you repeat to yourself, to restore self-regard and help you overcome negative thoughts, based on Claude Steele’s Self-Affirmation Theory.
So whenever you feel like you’re caught up in negative self-talk or struggling with fear of rejection, list down the positive affirmations to encourage yourself. As a start, take a deep breath and tell yourself:
“I am free from fear of rejection!”
“I accept rejection with a positive mind.”
“I accept myself no matter how others may think. I am worthy and loved!”
Tip #4: Have a support group
Simply put, surround yourself with people who will encourage you and love you enough to tell you which areas in your life need improvement.
As Carl suggests, “It’s important to have a group who can motivate us and can be honest about what we can improve about ourselves.”
Tip #5: Take rejection as an opportunity for growth.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
Instead of wallowing in sadness, see rejections as redirection or an opportunity for growth. Remember, you have the power to turn that seemingly negative experience into a positive one.
Ask yourself, “Is there something that I need to improve?” “What does God want me to learn from this rejection?” Nobody is perfect, but everybody can grow!
Tip #6: Hold on to Someone bigger and greater
The idea of rejection doesn’t have to hold you back, because God’s got your back.
“If we see ourselves as small and inadequate, we can hold on to Someone who is powerful and greater – and that is our Creator. No matter what other people think of me and my abilities, I believe that God is sovereign over all,” Carl affirms.
Whenever the fear of rejection creeps in, praise God for who He is and who He made you be.
Praise God that you are loved!
You are worthy!
You are special!
You are God’s masterpiece!
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14 NIV)
Are you struggling to overcome your fear of rejection? Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you.
Don’t miss out on the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this coming Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!