20 Ways to Handle Rejection Like a Pro

Turning rejection into an art form, where every "no" is just another step in your grand plan to become the undefeated champion of "Thanks, but no thanks!"

Alyana Aguja
November 13, 2024
4 min read

20 Ways to Handle Rejection Like a Pro — Brooke Lark from Unsplash

Rejection isn’t just a setback; it’s an opportunity to learn how to fall back in style. Take that dramatic “no,” throw in some humor and snacks, and you have every “no” turn into a badge of honor and proud ridiculousness. So why cry when one can dramatically thank them, plot out the next move, and call it an XP boost for life?

1. Become a “Rejection Connoisseur”

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Treat every rejection like a collectible. Like rare Pokémon cards, but somehow more painful! One day, you’ll have the complete set.

2. Rehearse Your Oscars Speech

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Every single “no” is a rehearsal for thanking all those pesky people who rejected you. Keep it dramatic—lots of tears. Show how “the haters fueled your drive.”

3. Blame Mercury in Retrograde

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Clearly, it’s the universe’s fault, not yours. Cry out each time something goes awry: “Mercury strikes again!” Then, stroll away like a cosmic warrior.

4. Use the “Maybe They’re Just Intimidated” Excuse

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Remember that you are so good at everything nobody can say “Yes.” Convince yourself that they think you’re too good for them. Don’t worry: this plan works surprisingly well.

5. Play “Rejection Bingo”

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Create a bingo card with reasons for rejection and cross them off whenever you hear one. When you get a “We went another direction,” yell “Bingo!” and celebrate. They might look at you weird, but you’re winning at something.

6. Channel Inner Zen and Say “Thank You”

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When you’re rejected, say, “Thanks a lot.” They will be surprised, and you’ll feel like a Jedi master. Plus, this is the most powerful move.

7. Imagine you are a “Rejected Superhero”

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Imagine that each “no” gives you a superpower- maybe resilience, extra-thick skin, or something. Soon you will be “Captain Unbreakable.” Your superpower? Bouncing back, rubber band-style.

8. Make a “Rejection Jar”

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Store a buck in the jar each time you get rejected. Spend that dough on yourself at month’s end. Now, at least rejection is finally paying off, right?

9. Send a “Thanks for Rejecting Me” Card

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Nobody ever expects it! It’s confusing, disarming, and outright weird. But mostly, it makes you feel way too cool to be bothered.

10. Play Dramatic Background Music

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Queue up sad violins or dramatic opera when you get rejected. Pretend you’re in a tragic movie scene. Even better—rejection becomes a grand performance!

11. Pretend It’s All Part of a Secret Mission

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You are a spy going undercover to have many rejections. Every rejection is just another step forward in your secret plan. Go all spy mode and remind yourself, “Mission ‘Make Them Regret It’ is on.” Sooner rather than later, you’ll be their “one that got away.”

12. Fake an Accent and Say, “Not to Worry, I Shall Rise Again”

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Try speaking in a Shakespearean accent and acting like you are in a tragedy. Bow deeply and leave with great fanfare. They will think twice before they reject royalty.

13. Create a “Rejection Playlist”

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Build a playlist of happy songs to play each time you are rejected. Think “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child or “I Will Survive.” Dance it out like a pro.

14. Announce You’re on a Rejection Streak

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Tell everyone, “I’m shooting for ten rejections this month!” When it happens, say, “Yes! Another one down!” Rejection is suddenly a badge of honor.

15. Repeat the “Oh, Their Loss” Mantra

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Shrug and say, “Well, their loss!” Repeat it so many times that you believe it. Eventually, you’ll be able to say it with absolute conviction.

16. Make Each Rejection into a Laugh-Out-Loud Story

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Make each rejection sound epic when you retell it to your friends. Like, “Then they said no, and I dramatically stared into the distance!” Soon, your friends will want to hear about your next adventure.

17. Create a “Rejection Wall of Fame”

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Print out rejection emails and post them like trophies. Watch the wall fill up, like your own museum of “Almosts.” One day, you’ll look back on it and laugh.

18. Reward Yourself with a Victory Snack

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Treat yourself to something small, like chocolate or a latte, whenever you get rejected. Rejections taste better with the treats involved. Now, your brain will remember rejection with rewards!

19. Rebrand Rejection as “Experience Points”

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Call each rejection an “XP boost” for life. Think of yourself as a video game character leveling up. By the time you’re done, you’ll be a rejection ninja!

20. Laugh Like a Villain and Say, “You’ll See!”

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Maniacally cackle and say, “Oh, you’ll regret this!” (Ideally, not in their face.) The more dramatic, the better–it’s therapeutic and weirdly satisfying.