Silence Won’t Make It Disappear: Rejection Is Here to Stay

Tanesha Moody
Aug 9
4 min read

We’re kicking off our Preparing for Rejection journey by tackling one of the most challenging hurdles: embracing rejection as a real possibility. This isn’t just a mental exercise—it’s a foundational step in preparing ourselves for the “no’s” that come our way so we can navigate them with grace, strength, and maybe even a bit of humor.

Make Rejection Your BFF—It’s Not Going Anywhere Anyway - Navigating Rejection - Tanesha L. Moody

Rejection is scary. It demands vulnerability and courage. And the thought of putting ourselves in a position where rejection is even possible? That’s enough to stop many of us in our tracks.

I’ve been there. So many times, I’ve stopped myself from applying for a job or pitching an idea because I “knew” it wouldn’t work out. The rejection felt inevitable, so why bother? But here’s the thing: when we reject ourselves before anyone else has the chance, we shut down possibilities before they even have a chance to take root.

Self-rejection feels safe, but in the long run, it keeps us stuck. Embracing rejection as an option is the key to unlocking growth, courage, and all the opportunities waiting on the other side of a “no.

Make Rejection Your BFF—It’s Not Going Anywhere Anyway

Step 1: Recognize the Power of “Trying”

As my mom likes to say, “Nothing beats a failure but a try.”

Trying means putting ourselves out there, knowing full well that rejection might be the outcome. But here’s the truth: if we don’t try, rejection isn’t the only thing we avoid—we also miss out on acceptance, success, and growth.

When I hugged rejection as an offer, it was when I gave my boyfriend the chance to get together. I knew rejection was a possibility. I didn’t have any guarantees that he’d say yes, but I made the offer anyway. And guess what? I didn’t die. Facing the possibility of rejection felt vulnerable, but it also felt honest, freeing, and, ultimately, worth it.

Trying is a win in itself. Whenever we put ourselves out there, we choose courage over fear—something worth celebrating.

Step 2: Reframe Rejection

Rejection is not about you. Really, it’s not.

When someone says “no,” they’re not rejecting your worth, value, or identity. They’re declining the specific offer you’ve presented. Maybe your idea didn’t align with their goals, or your timing wasn’t right.

Reframing rejection as an answer to your offer—not a judgment of your character—you create space to separate yourself from the outcome. You’re not being rejected; your offer is. And that makes all the difference.

This perspective shift might take time, especially when rejection feels deeply personal. But trust me, the more you practice separating your offer from your identity, the easier it becomes to navigate rejection with clarity and confidence.

Step 3: Hug Rejection Like an Old Friend

Here’s where we flip the script: instead of dreading rejection, what if we welcomed it?

Picture this: rejection shows up wearing its signature Mime outfit (we’re committed to this visual now). Instead of avoiding it, you greet it with a hug and say, “Oh, it’s you again. Let’s see what lesson you’ve brought me this time.”

When I gave my boyfriend that chance, I was ready for rejection to show up at the door. I didn’t want it there, but I prepared for it. And because I embraced the possibility, I was able to navigate the situation with more confidence.

Welcoming rejection doesn’t make it sting less, but it does soften the blow. Treating it like an old friend takes away its power to catch you off guard.

Step 4: Courage Grows With Each “No”

Courage isn’t built by avoiding rejection—it’s forged in the fire of facing it head-on.

Every time we put ourselves out there, we’re strengthening our resilience. Each rejection teaches us something new, whether it’s about refining our approach, clarifying our goals, or discovering unexpected strengths.

Rejection is a stepping stone, not a dead end. With every “no,” we’re getting closer to the “yes” meant for us.

Step 5: Let Rejection Be a Teacher, Not a Judge

Instead of letting rejection define us, we can use it to refine our approach. What feedback can we gather? What lessons can we learn?

Sometimes, rejection gives us clarity: maybe the timing wasn’t right, or the opportunity wasn’t the best fit. Embracing rejection as a teacher helps us shift our mindset from “I failed” to “What’s next?”

Setting the Foundation for Your Journey

Here’s the deal: embracing rejection is one of the first and most important steps in preparing for it. When we make peace with the possibility of a “no,” we take away its power to derail us.

This is why embracing rejection is foundational to the Preparing for Rejection series. It sets the stage for everything that follows: building resilience, navigating emotions, and celebrating the courage it takes to put ourselves out there.

Final Thoughts: Embrace, Don’t Avoid

Avoiding rejection might feel safe, but it also keeps us stuck. When we embrace rejection as a possibility, we free ourselves to take risks, grow, and discover what we’re truly capable of.

The next time you find yourself hesitating, remember: rejection isn’t the end—it’s part of the journey. Hug the Mime, take the leap, and see where it leads you.

What’s one way you’ve embraced rejection in your life? Let’s share our stories and build each other up in the comments. 😊

Make Rejection Your BFF—It’s Not Going Anywhere Anyway

www.taneshalmoody.com

<!-- LinkedInContent: 🚨 Rejection Isn’t Going Anywhere—Make It Your BFF 🚨

Rejection is scary, but what if we embraced it? My latest blog, ✨ "Make Rejection Your BFF—It’s Not Going Anywhere Anyway," flips the script on every “no.”

✨ Try—even when rejection looms.

✨ Separate yourself from your offer (you’re not the “no”).

✨ Hug rejection like an old friend—it’ll make you braver.

Every “no” is a step toward the right “yes.”

🔗 Read the blog here, and let’s navigate rejection with courage!

👇 What’s one rejection you’ve faced and grown from? Let’s talk in the comments! 😊

#NavigatingRejection #TaneshaLMoody #FullOutCoaching #RejectionResilience #LiveFullOut #MindsetShift #ResilienceAndGrowth #CoachingAndMentoring -->