Let’s be real, nobody likes being rejected. It’s like getting a sucker punch to the gut. Sometimes you can feel the wind get knocked out of you when you get denied or waitlisted from a certain college, turned down by your crush or declined after a job interview. It can also come in less impactful punches, like not making the team or feeling excluded. No matter the degree or extent, rejection sucks. Being told “no”, in the sense that you are not good or qualified enough, stings. Maybe, if it hits so hard that it lowers your confidence and gets you down in the dumps, you might be hesitant to put yourself out there once again.

But rejection is inevitable. Even the most successful people have been turned down.

Esteemed author J.K. Rowling faced twelve consecutive rejections from countless editors before finally getting published. The Harry Potter series is now famous worldwide with its seven books, eight movies and everlasting magical global influence.

Learning how to deal with rejection – an important part of life – builds strength and teaches us how to cope.

One must remember that feeling distraught after such an event is normal and totally valid. It’s alright to feel hurt, and pretending you’re not is just silly. You have a right to feel sad, as long as you don’t let it overcome you.

It shouldn’t stop you from trying again.

If J.K. Rowling had simply accepted defeat after being turned down time and time again, the admirable best-selling writer wouldn’t be where she is today. Imagine not only pouring out your heart and soul into your story, but also hours of brainstorming, writing, editing and crafting a piece into perfection, with no avail. However, Rowling pushed through and kept trying. Now the Harry Potterfranchise is worth an estimated $15 billion, and Rowling's books have been translated into 65 languages.

Naturally, you might start to put yourself down or be too hard on yourself. Talking to a supportive, trusted friend who will listen helps immensely. They can help put things in perspective, remind you that it happens to everyone, and that you can try again next time. In addition, you should feel proud for putting yourself out there and trying because that takes more guts than anything. A simple setback doesn’t invalidate all the assets and wonderful qualities you have.

When one door closes, a window opens. Maybe what you couldn’t have wasn’t meant for you or what you thought you wanted was great, but the truth is, somewhere out there, there’s something even better.