Rejection or Regret

Oh Twitter Family, how I need thee to give me clarity!

So my next question was worth a million dollars to be paid in hugs and peace of mind.

“Which is worse? Rejection or Regret?”

This sparked a great debate between some of my more ambitious followers. Their quotes are as follows. What is your opinion?

“Rejection: to me knowing that I want something I can't have is worse than regretting that I didn't go out to get it. But that's just me. I don't really have regrets.” – Courtney (@jessica_ebony)

“Regret is definitely worse. Rejection is God's way of telling me I dont need it, whatever it is. Something better is out there!” –Jessica (@JungleJessi)

“You can always follow up on a regret or find some way to make it not as regrettable but if you’re rejected there's not much to do to change that or get rid of that first initial blow.” – Mya (@ChasePerfection)

“Regret definitely. Rejection is an ego buster but sometimes you need that to get back to reality. Regret lasts way longer.” –Aneesa (@YelwarCA)

“I say rejection.You are forced to learn life lessons from regret. And plus I hate the word no in any context.” –Haaveshe (@QueenVesh)

“I'm gonna say rejection because that one can actually lead to regret.” –Aleria (@leriperry)

“Regret. The worst thing someone can tell you is ‘no.’ But a missed opportunity can haunt you.” – Justin (@Phlocaine)

“Regret because I’ve been rejected enough over the years to have built up a tolerance.” –James (@JKH2)

“Regret is worse. All it takes is one person, hopefully the right one, to make you forget about all the other rejections.” –Willy (@WBeamen)

No one disputes that both are lessons learned. If we take it up with a dictionary, we are met with a different way to see these words.

Rejection (n) – The act or state of being rejected; to discard as defective or useless, throw away.

Regret (v) – To feel sorrow or remorse for, to think with a sense of loss.

When you consider this question in the scheme of your life, which do you think has more value, the feeling or the action?

Do you think the terms vary with situation? Would you rather regret something in your career and face rejection in a relationship? What place do you think “reality” has in this?

I don’t have any wise words to add about this. It’s an issue I’m toying with myself, hence the large call for feedback. I do know that these thoughts either aid or impede your personal and professional growth. Imagine all the chances you would take if not for fear of something. As we continue to be progressive individuals, it is hard to let go of feelings completely. How can I fearlessly chase my dreams when I’m truly scared? I think about this ALL THE TIME.

As you can see, we haven’t come to a clear answer as to which is worse, but all of this is just food for thought today, and I would love your opinions on my comments box (I’ve been hearing it’s hard to leave notes on this site, sorry!). Even if you feel like everything has been said, continue through the week understanding your relationship with rejection and regret and how to overcome any fear you have toward either.

“I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.” – Rita Mero

“If Only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world.” –Mercedes Lackey

“A rejection is nothing more than a necessary step in the pursuit of success.” – Bo Bennett