How do you handle rejection?

Even though we know rejection is part of the entrepreneur gig, there’s no denying it can dent your ego. Here are some reminders and coping strategies that may help.

1. Rejection is not personal
   

Writing calls for putting yourself out there. It may be in the form of pitching a personal opinion article, or a topic you’re passionate about. It may be in a creative writing space, where you paint the page with your soul and hope someone feels it the way you do.

When the rejection hits your inbox, it’s difficult not to feel YOU have been rejected. It’s not your personality being assessed here. It’s not necessarily a rejection of your writing, either (unless you’re sloppy or unprofessional). There are so many reasons for rejection, and most editors don’t have the time for explanations or detailed feedback.

1. Self-belief is paramount
   

It sounds new-age to harp on about self-belief, but I’m certain it’s what separates the successful freelancers from those who give up.

After years of practice, I finally understand the importance of editing my self-talk. ‘Imposter syndrome’ can run rife and rejection feeds the feelings of inadequacy as a writer, so be kind to yourself. I remind myself that a rejection doesn’t define my writing success, it merely hones my craft.

I feel pepped up after rejections by looking over emails from editors “where they’ve praised my writing and that makes me feel a little better.”

1. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you don’t.
   

When your self-belief takes a dive, hang with people who think you are pretty alright.

Entrepreneurs choose a particularly brutal vocation. There are limited avenues for positive feedback of your work and without performance appraisals or bosses telling you how awesome you are, there’s only you, and the jobs you win.

Real-life colleagues and friends are vital for providing reality checks and offering support when you are feeling particularly dejected.

1. Get outside, mix up your day, be proactive
   

I find proactivity is better than reactivity. If my inbox is awash with rejections, I change my environment by:

-Going for a walk, rather than sitting in those draining, grey feelings;
-Listening to podcasts (on writing, on crime stories, on parenting, whatever distracts my mind at the time);
-Breathing a different angle into discarded ideas;
-People-watching from the café while eating something full of chocolate.