Online rejection can feel harsh, whether it is related to job applications, pitching ideas to publications, or engaging with an audience on social media. Regardless of qualifications, talent, or experience, everyone experiences online rejection. Rejection can have a profound impact on a person’s psyche, leaving them feeling hurt, angry, or dejected. To handle rejection, people must develop thick skin, maintain a positive mindset, and keep pushing forward. Tips include avoiding taking rejection personally, acknowledging the fear of rejection, developing a support system, and taking breaks when necessary. The journey of dealing with rejection is continuous, but the rewards make the journey worthwhile.

Learning to Handle Rejection Online: Building Thick Skin

The Online Experience: Where Rejection is Commonplace

When it comes to applying for jobs, pitch ideas to publications or engage with an audience through social media, rejection can often feel like a harsh reality. Regardless of how talented you are, how much you work, or how many accolades you’ve earned, online rejection happens – and it happens to everyone. The online space can be brutal, with anonymous comment sections, critics and trolls – it can be like a battlefield.

Why Rejection Impact Us?

Rejection has a significant impact on our psyche. When we put ourselves out there, it means we’re vulnerable, and we may crave the acceptance and validation of others. When we receive rejection in response, it can result in feelings of hurt, anger, and dejection, especially if we have worked hard on our projects. But, in reality, you can’t be everyone’s cup of tea – and that’s completely okay.

The Importance of Thick Skin

If we want to carve out a career in writing, media, or another creative profession, we must develop a thick skin to handle inevitable rejection. Versus allowing the rejection to defeat you, maintaining a positive mindset, and pushing forward are imperative. Like anything in life, getting rejected can be an excellent opportunity to learn, develop and grow resilience.

Tips for Handling Rejection

Learning to handle rejection can be a long and painful process, but it’s still crucial if you want to achieve success. Here are some suggestions that could help:

1. Avoid Taking it Personally

Critics and naysayers often provide anonymous feedback because it’s easier for them to attack your art or writing without fear of retribution. If you allow the comments to get personal, it can destroy your confidence. Instead, focus on constructive criticism that might help you improve your work.

2. Acknowledge the Fear

It’s normal to feel scared when submitting a pitch or posting your writing online. When fear manifests itself, it’s usually a sign that you are engaging in something that means a lot to you. By remembering that fear is normal, it may help you push forward despite the apprehension.

3. Develop a Support System

Having a solid support system in place, whether it’s friends, family, a writing group or social media followers in your genre, can provide a fantastic level of comfort when dealing with rejection. Support systems can also offer constructive criticism and help provide alternative perspectives.

4. Take Breaks When Needed

When it comes to dealing with rejection, taking breaks can be vital. Stepping away from the screen and actively doing something else can clear the mind and help with perspective. Running, yoga, meditation or any other physical activities can release endorphins and have a positive impact on overall mood.

Conclusion

If we want to succeed in our respective fields, we must be able to handle rejection and develop thick skin. Rejection can be an opportunity to grow, learn and develop, but the first step is always a willingness to face it. The tips above can provide a starting point, but remember that dealing with rejection will be a continual process; however, the rewards will be worth the journey.