Moving on From Rejection: How Anyone Can Do It Confidently

Being turned down happens. Maybe you didn’t get the job you wanted, or you found out your crush only sees you as a friend. It can be disheartening especially if you’ve given it your all, but it shouldn’t stop you from dreaming again. Getting rejected should not have to define who you are or what you can do. While moving on from rejection can feel challenging, it’s not impossible.

Being rebuffed isn’t easy and it can feel especially jarring when you have never failed or gotten turned away before. However, it can also be a humbling and refreshing experience.

When it happens, accept it with grace and hold your head high. Acting out by replying in a hostile manner or making a scene is not only off-putting but also harmful and unhealthy for you. Thank the other person even if it stings. Then end the conversation on a good, civil note.

Easier said than done? For sure. Read these tips for moving on from rejection and maintaining your confidence.

While the idea of rejection can bring you to a point of not doing anything at all, keep in mind that everyone has experienced it in their lives in some capacity. Even something as simple as not being invited to a friend’s party can feel like a rejection. Remembering this may help put things into perspective. Rejection is a part of life. The best way to move on is to put yourself out there again – eventually – when you’re ready.

Rejection can stir up feelings of sadness and disappointment. It’s not helpful to repress those feelings, but it’s not as healthy to wallow in them, either. Acknowledging your feelings and respecting the outcome are crucial to accepting rejection. Recognizing that you feel hurt, dismayed, or sad is confronting this emotion and dealing with them productively.

It’s also okay to go through the stages of grief, especially if the rejection was about something (or someone) you deeply care about. Relax, take it slow, and find a solid support system. Moving on is not something you should rush.

Have you heard of the saying, “There is no such thing as failures, only lessons”? Getting rejected does not always have to be a huge setback. While it may be hard to realize it in the thick of the moment, rejection can present opportunities for you to learn and grow.

For example, you were not chosen for the job you applied for. Instead of wallowing, it may be an opportunity for you to reassess your resume and see what skills you can improve.

If your crush rejected you, it could be time to reassess what you truly want in a partner. Learn what traits to look for that match your values and character.

While it may seem like the world revolves around your pain, the only thing left to do – after you’ve spent time acknowledging your emotions – is to pick yourself back up. Think of this incident as a means to an end.

Career-wise, surely there will be other opportunities that will open for you to reach your ultimate aspirations. And when it comes to relationships, maybe you'll realize that you need to focus on yourself. As they say, everything happens for a reason. You don't know what that reason is right now – but accept that it can be pretty good.

Now is also the time to indulge in some serious self-care, which can feel comforting and healing during difficult times. Take a warm shower and pamper yourself with Dove Nourishing Body Wash, which nourishes dry and sensitive skin. For a pick-me-up, shower with Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash, which has sakura blossoms and Himalayan salt to soothe the skin and invigorate the senses.

While getting turned away can feel terrible, don’t let this discourage you from trying again. You may not have secured this opportunity now, but bigger opportunities may come. Part of moving on from rejection is showing up – even when you don’t feel like it. As the famous Thomas Edison quote goes, “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Remind yourself to not quit!