Navigating Rejection in Academia: A Personal Strategy

A few years ago, I realized that I needed a strategy for navigating rejection in academia. Since then, I have kept a running list of both my “acceptances” and “rejections.” 

This practice has helped me to: 

1. Stay organized 

I can easily track my submissions and follow up when needed. The list also gives me a strategic overview of my application patterns. 

2. Mitigate feelings of imposter syndrome 

My list starts with the “acceptances,” which gives me a visual record and reminder of my past successes. 

3. Keep putting myself out there 

In fact, one of my future goals is to collect more rejections than acceptances. A colleague of mine once said that if everything gets accepted, you might not be aiming high enough. My list helps me visualize this goal.

What’s one thing that helps you navigate academic rejection? 

Understanding the ups and downs of submission and feedback is integral to my approach as an academic editor. I can help you refine your work for clarity, rigour, and impact, increasing your chances of acceptance. 

Ready to confidently submit your academic work? Contact me to learn more about my academic editing and coaching services.