Overcoming the Fear of Rejection
Feb 04, 2022
Fear of rejection is one of the biggest fears most people face. When you reach out to someone, you risk not getting the response you hoped for. That fear can feel paralyzing.
Vulnerability means taking action without a guarantee of a positive outcome. But choosing not to play it safe is often the only way to grow.
I also talk through practical relationship advice and how to move toward people with more courage in this episode of the Decide Your Legacy podcast:
Here are 6 questions you can ask others that can help you connect. Each one could also lead to what feels like rejection. They work great with friends, co-workers, and family. Even asking one a week can strengthen the most challenging of relationships.
“Always bear in mind that your resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”
— Abraham Lincoln
6 Great Questions
- What are the main causes of stress for you right now? Anything I can do to help?
- How can I help you succeed in an area of you life (e.g. career, health, relationships, etc.)?
- Is there anything I've done recently that has hurt you that I need to make right?
- What's one thing I can do more of to help our relationship?
- What's one thing I can do less of to help our relationship?
- Am I doing anything that makes it difficult to communicate with me lately?
“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships together.”
— Stephen Covey
Guidelines for Asking These Questions
For couples, once every couple of weeks, go through all 6. With your friends, co-workers, and family, look for opportunities to ask a question. Validate their answer by saying something like "that makes sense". In other words, alter the wording so that it feels natural.
Be curious! Prove you're listening by paraphrasing what you hear. Cut yourself some slack if this feels weird. New positive habits ALWAYS feel awkward at first.
Take the next step.
Asking honest questions takes courage because you cannot control how the other person will respond.
If fear of rejection keeps you from reaching out, speaking honestly, or taking action in your relationships, Shatterproof Yourself Lite can help. In 7 small steps, you’ll learn how to face fear, build confidence, reduce anxiety, and move toward the relationships and legacy you actually want.
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18 Ways to Build Self-Confidence (post) by Adam Gragg
