Step 8: Accept the Reject

You are going to get rejected at some point in your life, whether it's by a loved one, a publisher, a judge, your cat, or a potential employer. The important thing to remember is that there are so many other opportunities out there for you, so you can't just stay focused on what you can't have.

If it was something really important to you, like a long-term relationship coming to a regrettable end, then yes, take some time to curl up in your sock drawer, eating a giant Hershey bar as you cry yourself to sleep (and guys, not only girls are allowed to do this). You deserve one night to express your pain. But don't hold onto that pain - let it all out, and then look towards something new.

If it was something that was just meh to you, accept that you didn't get it and move on. There are plenty of other fish out there that I guarantee you are more tasty than just meh.

And if it's a repeat reject, maybe it's time to change something. (This doesn't mean change yourself! This is more if you're an artist or entrepreneur of some type and your work just can't seem to take off.) Look at stuff from a different angle. You may see some new potential that could change the rejects to accepts.

Most importantly, no matter what type of rejection it is, just remember:

So, my question to you: How do you handle rejection?
And my challenge to you: Get rejected! That sounds like a horrible challenge, but truly, the more you get rejected, the better you're able to handle it. The first time I got rejected, I cried like a baby in the bathroom for an hour. Now I write a blog about rejection. Much healthier, don't you think? :)