overcoming the fear of rejection
Nobody likes being rejected. It’s one of the worst feelings in life—it can make you feel like you’re not good enough, not worthy, or like you don’t measure up. I get it. I’ve felt it in friendships, business, dating, and even family.
So how do you move past the fear of rejection? Here are three key steps:
1. Remember That There Are 8 Billion People in the World
Think about it—there are over 8 billion people all over this world. Someone is going to like you, accept you, and appreciate you. To say that nobody ever will is like saying you’ll never make a half-court basketball shot. Sure, it might take a few tries, but eventually, you’ll hit it. Rejection is just part of the process of finding your people. Reach across the state, country, or the world if you have to.
2. Take Action and Put Yourself Out There
The key to overcoming rejection is taking action. If you sit around feeling bad for yourself, you’ll get stuck in a cycle of negative thinking. The moment you start putting yourself out there—whether it’s messaging new people, approaching someone in person, networking at events, or sending emails—you take control of your life. Nothing worth having is ever going to just fall into your lap. Make a habit of taking daily action! The more you take, the more opportunities you create for yourself.
3. Shift Your Focus to Helping Others
When you walk into a party, a networking event, or a social situation, what’s on your mind? Are you thinking: Do I look good? Will people like me? What can I get out of this? If so, you’re focusing too much on yourself and so is everyone else. The real way to connect with others is to think differently by providing value—whether that’s through kindness, support, or simply being a good active listener.
People can tell when you’re genuinely interested in them versus when you just want something from them. For example, if someone is selling you a product, you can feel the difference between someone who truly believes it will benefit you versus someone who just needs to make a sale. The same goes for relationships—whether in business, friendships, or dating. People are drawn to those who are genuinely interested in them and improving their current situations, whether that’s in love, friendship, or circumstances. So, ask questions, listen, and look for ways to add value to others' lives.
Final Thoughts
Rejection is never easy, but it’s not the end of the world. The more you realize that rejection is a natural part of life, the more confident you’ll become. Keep putting yourself out there, take action, and shift your focus to helping others. Eventually, you’ll find the right people who see and appreciate your value.
