TURNING REJECTION INTO OPPORTUNITY

Rejection is an inevitable part of life, both in the workplace and university Whether it be getting a disappointing grade or being rejected from a job, rejection is a common experience for everyone Being rejected time after time again can be incredibly demotivating, but just remember that rejection does not equate to failure Instead, you must learn to turn rejection into opportunities for growth and selfimprovement

Embrace Rejection

We have all been guilty of comparing ourselves to our high-achieving peers after facing rejection, marvelling at the prestigious academic achievements and seemingly endless work experience on their LinkedIn profiles However, rejection is not a reflection of your worth or abilities Although it is easier said than done, you must not let rejection consume your mind with negative self-talk and comparisons with your peers To achieve growth and success, it is essential to change your mindset from fearing rejection, to embracing rejection Don’t let your failures discourage you from pursuing your passions and dreams

Learn From Your Mistakes

One way to turn rejection into an opportunity is to learn from your mistakes After being rejected for a summer internship, receiving poor feedback on a presentation or failing to get into a society, take a moment to reflect on what you did well, what went wrong and what you could have done differently If you can, be sure to ask the employer or your tutor for feedback on your performance By doing so, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as have a better understanding of expectations

Use this reflection and feedback as a learning experience for growth and development As you persist through your journey of overcoming rejection, your confidence and skills will undoubtedly grow, providing you with the necessary tools to succeed in your future endeavours

Take Risks

Another tip is to not let rejection hold you back from taking risks and trying new things A fear of failure can be paralysing, but you must recognise that failure is a natural part of the learning process Without failure, there can be no opportunities for growth and improvement Don’t let fear prevent you from going outside of your comfort zone and doing things you wouldnt normally do If you catch yourself doubting your abilities, just ask yourself, what do you have to lose? The worst outcome is usually not as bad as you might imagine, and the potential rewards and growth that come from pushing yourself are significant Now is the time for you to apply for that job, internship, leadership position or exchange opportunity Instead of letting your fear of rejection hold you back, embrace the possibility of failure and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow

Ultimately, rejection can be a brutally humbling experience, but it is important to remember that with each rejection, the only way to go is up By learning from your mistakes, seeking feedback, taking risks, and persisting in the face of adversity, you can turn rejection into an opportunity for growth and self-improvement Let rejection empower you to become more determined and better equipped to face challenges in the future

BY: VEN LEE TEO (PUBLICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE)