Feeling rejected isn’t very pleasant. In fact, most people try to avoid the feeling altogether by keeping their distance. However, no matter what strategy you take, eventually you will experience rejection. The good thing is, not only are there ways to cope with it, there is a way to navigate life in a manner that rejection actually becomes beneficial to you.

Let’s start with some basic ways to deal with rejection. Usually being rejected comes from extending a thought or feeling towards someone or a situation and not having it be reciprocated or appreciated. In these circumstances it is important to remember that everyone has the right to be themselves.

Key 1 is acceptance. Accept that their rejection is just as valid as your feelings. No one is required to agree with you completely, and neither are you required to agree with them. Once you accept the fact that everyone moves differently, it will be easier to deal with situations that turn out to be less than what you expected.

Key 2 is understanding. Understand that feelings influence behavior. Thoughts influence feelings. The way someone sees themselves or interprets a situation will dictate their response. Having this perspective, it makes it less difficult to stay down. It also provides a healthy understanding of what is likely happening.

Key 3 is reflection. Sometimes having higher expectations of a person or situation creates an unrealistic picture of how things should turn out. Taking the time to review your standards compared to reality can give you a better overall picture of what went wrong. It also helps you seek out environments that are in alignment with your desires.

Finally, understand that not all rejection is bad. In fact, it allows you the opportunity to grow and come to a clearer understanding of your goals, values, and the right people and places for you. The key to navigating life well is understanding yourself. Once you understand what is important to you, subconsciously your intuition will lead you to the right places and people. Along the way things may not go according to how you had planned, but having an overall picture of where you are going gives you the opportunity to bounce back. Just know that if it didn’t work, it was for a reason.

How do you deal with feeling rejected?