Mia Concepcion | Staff Writer
The word “no” is commonly feared and disliked. Rejection often evokes feelings of inadequacy. Discouragement begins to linger, competence is questioned, and uncertainty arises upon hearing this unsettling word.
In life, not every request or desire will be answered with a yes. Sometimes, the words “no” and “maybe” are more appropriate for a situation. When events do not play out as hoped, the plan toward achieving a goal must be adjusted. Both the route to goals and goals themselves ought to be flexible—therefore it is important to learn how to healthily and appropriately respond to rejection without distorting oneself.
When faced with rejection, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, never use this failure as a measure of self-worth. Just because some things are not executed as imagined, potential and talent still remain. In fact, this potential still has the ability to improve. Do not be overcome with defeat by a single incident. Rejection can be a driving source of motivation for progress in life. Use this simple “no” to energize your desire to claim what is yours. You are more than capable of realizing your dreams.
There is no single way to be successful, as seen by individuals who have attained their own personal goals.
“I just have to take a step back and assess the situation,” said Amirah Manes, a junior biology pre-med major from Suffolk. “I like to see what I could have done better to avoid making the same mistake the next time around.”
You can compensate for rejection by contemplating the various ways in which a goal can still be achieved. There is no single way to be successful, as seen by individuals who have attained their own personal goals.
Unlearn rigid thinking and be flexible in how you attempt to fulfill your aspirations. If the first plan failed, then it is time to either reroute your direction or alter the goal. Stop trying to mimic what everyone else is doing because they seem to be doing well. Follow your own route toward the objective, and remember to offer help to those who need it along the way.
“My reaction towards rejection depends on who it is coming from,” said Clarence Stevens, a fourth-year psychology major from New Jersey. “If it stems from a close friend, then I’ll try to avoid blaming myself for what happened. If [the rejection comes] from an internship, then I assume that it wasn’t meant to be and continue applying for others.”
Finally, do not be afraid of rejection. No one will ever do everything perfectly the first time, because perfection is impossible. Give yourself room for error and expect the occasional rejection. Be open to making mistakes and learning from them.
Davion, a second-year psychology major from Newark, New Jersey, said, “Rejection has taught me to attempt all things even if the answer is no. I sometimes expect it to, just because I know that is how life works.”
The Hampton Script 