No, Rejection Isn’t Always a Redirection (And That’s Okay)
I’m confident I will get into trouble for this one. “Rejection is just a redirection,” they say as if those words will instantly erase the sting of hearing “no.” Let’s be honest: this phrase, a classic from the Sucky Rejection Advice Playbook, feels like a pat on the back for coming dead last in a sack race.
Don’t get me wrong—I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. As a Christian, I trust God has a purpose for me and everyone else. But let’s be real: tossing out this phrase after a rejection feels more like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. Sometimes, the best place for this “redirection” advice is inside your mouth.
Why People Default to This Advice
So why do people say this? Often, it comes from a well-meaning place:
They Want to Comfort You: People want to help but don’t know what to say, so they reach for something that sounds wise and hopeful.
They Don’t Know How to Sit in Discomfort: Facing someone else’s pain is hard, and this phrase feels like a way to move past the awkwardness quickly.
They Believe It’s True: Many genuinely believe rejection is always a redirection and that this truth will help you see the silver lining.
While their intentions may be good, “Rejection is just a redirection” often feels dismissive. It minimizes the emotional weight of rejection and skips over the valuable process of sitting with the pain and learning from it.
Why This Advice Falls Flat
Yes, since everything happens for a reason, the rejection experience had to happen, too. The “No” serves a purpose. But let’s really chop this up because if we claim rejection is always a redirection, it implies that we somehow hopped off the yellow brick road and were on the wrong path. Redirection makes it sound like we’re nowhere close to being on the right path before receiving the rejection. That’s not always the case.
If our purpose and life assignments align, we’re already on the right track. Rejection doesn’t mean we’ve made a wrong turn—it just means the journey might involve a few unexpected pit stops. Rejection might actually confirm that we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be, or it could just be the thing that needs to happen to achieve our purposes.
This is where “redirection” misses the mark. It assumes rejection is a detour when, sometimes, it’s simply part of the journey.
What’s Missing From “Redirection”
Here’s what I believe the “redirection” narrative misses:
The Journey Matters: Not every rejection needs to lead to a drastic new direction. Sometimes, it’s about perseverance.
Growth in Place: Rejection can help us grow right where we are without needing to change course.
The Bigger Picture: Rejection can deepen our understanding of our purpose and affirm our alignment.
What to Say Instead
What can we say if “Rejection is just a redirection” doesn’t cut it? Here are some alternatives that validate the person’s feelings while offering support:
“I know this hurts. I’m here for you.”
“This must be so disappointing. What can I do to support you right now?”
“I’m so sorry this happened. Let me know if you want to talk about it.”
“It’s okay to sit with this for a while. Rejection sucks.”
These responses acknowledge the pain of rejection and create space for the person to process their emotions without feeling rushed to find the silver lining.
Empathy Over Platitudes
Rejection isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, and neither is the support we need when we face it. Instead of reaching for clichés, we can:
Listen Without Fixing: Let someone share their feelings without jumping to solutions.
Validate Their Pain: Acknowledge that rejection hurts without minimizing it.
Sit With Discomfort: Be present with someone in their pain, even when it’s hard.
Offer Tailored Support: Ask, “What do you need from me right now?”
By choosing empathy over platitudes, we build deeper connections and create space for meaningful growth.
Rejection Is a Gift (Yes, Really)
When we fall into the habit of treating rejection as redirection, we risk overlooking the gifts that rejection brings. Let’s count some of those gifts:
Clarity: Sometimes, rejection sharpens our focus and reinforces our commitment to our goals.
Feedback: Rejection often comes with insights we can use to grow and improve.
Resilience: Facing rejection builds the strength we need to keep going.
Confirmation: Rejection can affirm that we’re on the right path, even when challenging.
By reframing rejection as something more than a detour, we give ourselves the space to see its value—not just as a “No,” but as a moment of growth.
My Personal Rejection Story
For my fellow Christians who believe rejection is God’s way of redirecting us, let me offer this: sometimes, it’s not. I’m living proof.
If I hadn’t experienced rejection, I wouldn’t be writing this blog, sharing these stories, or working to impact others positively. Those rejections didn’t redirect me; they clarified my purpose. They were moments that helped me deepen my understanding of myself and reinforced the path I was already on.
Rejection isn’t always a U-turn. Sometimes, it’s a confirmation. And sometimes, it’s the exact moment we need to pause, reflect, and grow into the person we’re meant to be. Rejection can catalyze growth and self-discovery, allowing us to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our goals.
A New Way to Look at Rejection
Rejection isn’t just a redirection—it’s an invitation. It’s an opportunity to grow, reflect, and clarify your path. It’s not a sign that you’re lost; it’s a chance to double down on your purpose.
So next time someone throws “Rejection is just a redirection” your way, remember this: rejection doesn’t always mean turning around. Sometimes, it’s about moving forward more clearly and confidently than ever before.
Final Thought
This post is part of a larger conversation about rejection advice that misses the mark. Like “It could be worse” or “Don’t take it personally,” “Rejection is just a redirection” simplifies something deeply emotional and personal. By exploring these phrases, we can understand why they fall short and learn to approach rejection with more empathy and nuance.
Rejection can catalyze growth and self-discovery, allowing us to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our goals. It’s not always about finding a new path—it’s about trusting the one you’re on.
What’s been your experience with rejection? Has it felt like redirection, confirmation, or something else entirely? Let’s talk about it in the comments—because we all share rejection, and together, we can learn from it.
<!-- LinkedInContent: No, Rejection Isn’t Always a Redirection (And That’s Okay)
“Rejection is just a redirection.”
It sounds comforting, but let’s be honest: it doesn’t always fit. Rejection isn’t always about changing course—it might just be part of the journey you’re already on. 💡
In my latest blog, I challenge the overused “redirection” narrative and explore a more nuanced way to see rejection:
Rejection doesn’t mean you’re off track—it might confirm you’re exactly where you need to be.
Rejection isn’t a U-turn; it’s an opportunity for growth and clarity.
Empathy, not clichés, helps us process rejection.
Has rejection felt like a redirection, confirmation, or something else entirely for you? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Rejection isn’t a sign that you’re lost—it’s a chance to double down on your purpose. Ready to embrace rejection and navigate your journey with confidence? Explore my coaching services or book a discovery call today.
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