How to Deal with Professional Rejection

What's the best way to deal with professional rejection? Four successful women offer their advice on how to handle these difficult, character-testing moments and move onward and upward.

Voice artist Jennifer Hale said it's important to remember that rejection is not personal. "You just didn't fit there," she said. "We are all really good, we're all really talented, and any of us can do the work. It's what you're right for that day."

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According to psychologist Danielle Sheypuk, the fear of rejection becomes common enough to turn into an obstacle for some people. "It's like do I let it bum me out? I hibernate for days, I just abandon the goal? Or do I know how to self-sooth, how to pick myself back up, and get back out there with the goal."

For Ann Rule, a true crime author who pens one book a year, rejection of a manuscript takes on a special meaning to her if an editor takes the time to write a note. "The real exciting thing is when you've impressed them enough so that they're going to write in their own hand and their own ink," she explained. "You just have to pick yourself up and, and send it out again."

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Social psychologist Anne Cuddy focuses on the recovery process and personal resilience: how quickly you jump back on your feet after experiencing a professional rejection? "So we think after something terrible happens, that in six months we're going to feel as terrible as we feel today? We don't. We're really resilient."

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