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Overcoming rejection in the work market.

Rejection throws all of us off balance, especially when we are expecting success instead. It is never pleasant to hear that someone else has received that position that you wanted or grabbed that promotion you've been working toward for so long. Letting rejection overtake you, however, will keep you from trying again. It's better to use the rejection to increase your skills than to let it dictate the future. Here are some suggestions on how to overcome rejection in the work market:

1. After rejection, assess what has happened. Identify specifically why you were rejected. Go over the events leading to the rejection in detail and determine what lead to the rejection.

2. Make a list of those specifics that lead to your rejection in the workplace and under each item, list possible ways to prevent that item from leading to your rejection in the future. For example, if you applied for a promotion and did not get it because your co-worker had more training or education than you, obtain the training, so you'll be ready next time.

3. If you truly can not identify the reasons for your rejection, ask co-workers or your supervisor why you were rejected. There is no shame in asking why you were not hired for that job or why you were not assigned that plum project. Rather than showing weakness, investigating why you did not achieve your goal and setting out to do better next time, show that you take responsibility for your successes and failures and are ready to change your own destiny. Do not become defensive when co-workers and supervisors provide information on how you can do better. Use the information to shore up areas of weakness.

4. Let your intentions to overcome rejection be known. Approach your job seriously with full intentions of success. A good attitude toward success breeds success. If you set out to be successful, you'll probably accomplish it. With the right attitude you'll do what is necessary to fulfill your goals. If you speak of your intentions, you will most likely do what is necessary to fulfill them and overcome rejection.

5. Always try again. In the work world, there are just so many promotions and there will always be competition for the best spots. Remember that because you are rejected once does not mean that you are worthless. It only means that someone else has better qualifications than you do for that particular position. Determine why they won out over you and use the rejection to inspire you to overcome it the next time.

Learn more about this author, Lou Belcher.
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