Criticisms and rejections are a part of life that many of us do not like to receive or experience. Sometimes it doesn’t get easier to accept, and we lash out negatively, making the situation much worse. But if you want to achieve your goals and overcome life’s challenges, you need to develop resilience to handle rejection and criticism like a champ.

Here are several great tips you can adapt to your strategy in dealing with rejection and criticism, and appreciating these steps can help you stay motivated.

Acknowledge It Exists

The first step in dealing with criticism and rejection is acknowledging it because recognizing what is happening is essential for effective coping. While many self-help books say that we should let the negativity roll off on its own because it is temporary, it will be hard to do if we do not acknowledge that it is happening. All we will end up doing is bottling our negative thoughts and eventually exploding once it gets too much.

If you find yourself receiving criticism or rejection, don’t be afraid to share what you feel. By doing so, you will prevent the negative thoughts from gripping you and stopping you from bouncing back.

Remember: Everyone Experiences It!

You aren’t the only one who experiences rejection or receives criticism: everyone does! Even the most successful people experience them at some point. While it can be hard to remember sometimes, remembering can make the heartache easier to handle and push you forward.

Know What Helps You Cope

Every person is different, and this is true with how we cope with negativity and challenges. It could be talking to someone you trust, walking around the park, singing, or practicing deep breathing. Take the time to see what helps you relax and do it after you receive a rejection or criticism.

Learn From The Experience

It may not sound easy, but you should use the experience to learn and improve yourself. Not all rejections and criticisms are negative, and sometimes they can tell you what you are lacking. When you receive a rejection or criticism, don’t be afraid to ask why they are commenting and get their feedback on how you can improve. If they do not give you feedback, identify how you can improve yourself, fostering a sense of growth and hope.

Try Again

Once you acknowledge the rejection or criticism, cope with the negativity and know how to improve, try again. You have a better chance of succeeding this time and reducing the risk of rejection or criticism. When people see that you are making the effort again, they will take notice and see what new you have to offer. You might be surprised by the positive response you will get when you visit your latest offerings, reinforcing your resilience and persistence.

It is never fun to receive any form of criticism or rejection, for whatever reason. However, if you see it as an opportunity rather than a setback, you can turn the tide. It will also make it easier to bounce back, rather than letting the negativity disable you further.

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