Failure and Rejection!
In my 2 years as a teacher, I was confronted by innumerable cases of failure and rejection. It is ironic that as you grow, if you know someone close who is a failure, chances are that you will get drawn into the same failure and rejection cycle. But the saddest part is that most of us do not know how to deal with rejection and failure.
In India, the rate of failure is very high, as our expectations are sky high and unrealistic. We must learn to live in our own limitations and not expect miracles out of routine situations.
As a teacher too, I was overwhelmed by the rate of failure in my classes, and it turned out that my school was more of a remedial rehab school than a normal one.
My best friend is a failure and she insists that I too meet with the same fate that she has; it’s really sad, but true.
So, now once again I am besieged with rejection and failure, with people who are rejects and failures. How is one to stop drowning in such a case? Well, the answer lies in looking for solutions rapidly. Over the years I have realized that one has to be self sufficient and that no amount of help from outside can really work. We all have to look at problems objectively and solve them, but in most Indians’ cases, they get literally confounded by problems, illnesses, unemployment, dejection, rejection and numerous other factors.
So, how do you deal with failure? First of all, you have to make sure that you never lose self confidence and self belief. Your enemies will strike you where it hurts the most and they will make sure that you lose your self belief, but never should you allow that to happen. Fight back with all your might and find your place in the sun.
No matter how strong you are, problems will come to you from all directions. A strong, intelligent and efficient person will still not drown. Rejection and failure is a necessary part of growing up, but we should not make it a habit, as is generally the case.
Points to deal with rejection and failure:Look at alternatives Do not lose hope or get suicidal If you get suicidal, ignore the thought and work on something positive Change your thought pattern if there is recurring hopelessness Take a vacation Pray, but not out of desperation Look for friends and support Learn to differentiate between real help and fake friends Think about all your achievements Address the rejection squarely, if it happens again, stop the activity that brings despair. Always look for help from people many notches above as equals, contemporaries and friends will not be in the position to help; they will probably worsen the situation. Have realistic expectations. You can’t win everything all the time. Do not resort to drinks, drugs or prostitutes. Believe in yourself.
If all this fails, then you need professional help.
May god be with you in all your troubles, trials and tribulations.
