Last updated on Jul 5, 2024

Here's how you can bounce back from rejection or failure with resilience.

Rejection and failure can sting, but they don't have to be the end of your story. Instead, they can be the catalyst for growth and resilience. When you face setbacks, it's crucial to harness your interpersonal skills to bounce back stronger. The ability to communicate effectively, empathize with others, and maintain relationships is invaluable when navigating the choppy waters of disappointment. This article will explore practical steps to help you recover from knocks with grace and fortitude, ensuring that you emerge more resilient and ready to face new challenges.

1 Accept Reality

Accepting the reality of rejection or failure is a critical first step in building resilience. It's natural to feel a range of emotions, from sadness to anger, but dwelling on these feelings can impede your recovery. Acknowledge the situation for what it is without judgment. By doing so, you create a solid foundation from which you can start to move forward. Remember, acceptance is not about giving up; it's about recognizing the current state of affairs so you can plan your next move effectively.

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Juliana Moura

Founder by OKCYGENIO | Inovação em Créditos de Carbono e Sustentabilidade | Impacto Socioambiental Positivo e Governança ESG
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Aceitação não significa desistir: É importante diferenciar aceitação de resignação. Aceitar a realidade não significa desistir dos seus sonhos ou objetivos. Significa reconhecer a situação atual e usá-la como base para construir um futuro melhor. Permita-se sentir as emoções, pratique a gratidão, Mesmo em momentos difíceis, sempre há algo pelo qual ser grato, aprenda com o passado: Analise o que aconteceu de forma racional e identifique oportunidades de aprendizado, e por fim, cuide de si mesmo, pratique atividades que te tragam bem-estar e lembre-se, a aceitação é um processo, não um evento único.

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Nelisiwe Daphney Dlamini

YOUTHLET & IYF Mentor|Teacher| Andragogist | Treasurer at Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries| Unregistered Diploma in Psychology Holder | Altruist | Athlete
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I have been rejected twice and it's a hard pill to swallow but God is really with me. Even on my current job, I stand a rejection because they wanted to pile me with a lot of different subjects with 40 periods per week. And I have accepted the state and I am bouncing back already 💪🏽!

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Loree Casto

HR Coordinator at Help at Home Senior Care
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Not one person is successful without failure. If your not failing at times, your not trying hard enough to succeed. Always remember this and learn from your failure so you don't have to learn that lesson twice. Always stay focused on your goals, adjust them as needed but keep pushing forward every day. What doesn't kill you, will in fact make you stronger and your successes sweeter! Fake it till you make it. Pick yourself up, maintain your confidence (or fake it) until you make it : )

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2 Reflect Deeply

Once you've accepted the situation, take time to reflect on what happened. This isn't about assigning blame or wallowing in regret, but rather understanding the factors that led to the rejection or failure. Consider what you could have done differently and identify any lessons learned. This reflection can be a powerful tool for personal development, helping you to make better choices in the future and strengthening your interpersonal skills by increasing self-awareness.

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Nelisiwe Daphney Dlamini

YOUTHLET & IYF Mentor|Teacher| Andragogist | Treasurer at Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries| Unregistered Diploma in Psychology Holder | Altruist | Athlete
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That is what my lady pastor said, reflect deeply. Fine I'm carrying the letter on my hands but it is also paramount. I have discussed within myself on other matters that I feel they can result to this rejection and I left it without judgement. I believe in total restoration, so I am very calm and looking forward to the horizon.

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3 Adjust Goals

After reflection, it may be necessary to adjust your goals. Rejection or failure often provides insight into our ambitions and the paths we've chosen. Use this knowledge to set new, more attainable goals or to tweak your existing ones to better align with your capabilities and circumstances. This process of adjustment will not only keep you moving forward but also help you to maintain motivation and a sense of purpose.

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4 Seek Support

No one is an island, and seeking support from friends, family, or mentors can make a significant difference in how you handle rejection or failure. Sharing your experiences and feelings with others can provide emotional relief and may offer new perspectives on the situation. Additionally, the people in your network may have experienced similar setbacks and can offer advice or encouragement that will help you regain your confidence.

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Nelisiwe Daphney Dlamini

YOUTHLET & IYF Mentor|Teacher| Andragogist | Treasurer at Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries| Unregistered Diploma in Psychology Holder | Altruist | Athlete
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Oh I have seeked support and still seeking for it. Last year when I quit my job I went straight to cancelling and indeed I felt better. Though my counsellor never got really interested on doing his best but it worked for me and I am planning to change my therapist.

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5 Develop Skills

Improving your skill set is another constructive way to respond to setbacks. Whether it's enhancing your interpersonal skills, learning new techniques related to your field, or developing better coping strategies for stress, investing in yourself is always beneficial. This proactive approach not only prepares you for future challenges but also boosts your self-esteem by demonstrating your commitment to personal growth.

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6 Move Forward

Finally, it's time to move forward with renewed vigor. Implement the insights and changes you've gleaned from the previous steps and take action towards your adjusted goals. Embrace the opportunities that come with starting anew and maintain a positive outlook. Remember, resilience is not about never falling but about getting up each time you do. Your interpersonal skills will be key in this journey, helping you to communicate your vision and collaborate with others as you forge ahead.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can bounce back from rejection or failure with resilience.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Accept Reality

2 Reflect Deeply

3 Adjust Goals

4 Seek Support

5 Develop Skills

6 Move Forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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Here's how you can bounce back from rejection or failure with resilience.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Accept Reality

2 Reflect Deeply

3 Adjust Goals

4 Seek Support

5 Develop Skills

6 Move Forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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