Understanding Human Motivation: Fear of Rejection
Understanding Human Motivation: Fear of Rejection
All human behaviour is motivated by various combinations of desire, fear and anger.
This blog focuses on a particular fear that motivates many people: The fear of rejection.
Many people don't attempt to achieve their goals because of the fear of rejection they may suffer, if they were to try, but fail.
So, they don't even try.
Why is the fear of rejection so strong in some people?
The fear of rejection is strong because humans are social animals, which means we survive in groups, not as individuals.
For millions of years of our evolutionary history, if any individual were rejected - banished and expelled from the family or group, forced to try to survive alone - then that would amount to a virtual death sentence.
Consequently, we have evolved to be acutely sensitive of our position within our family, or social group.
Subconsciously we feel that acceptance from the family, or group, is essential - rejection may mean danger and even death.
This leads to people being afraid to do things that could result in rejection: Salespeople don't make sales calls, people don't enter competitions they would like to win, nor submit applications for jobs they would like to do, all because of the fear of rejection.
On the other hand, some people will do almost anything, however weird or unlawful, in order to gain the acceptance of the gang or "The Family", which is why some "good kids" do bad things.
Overcoming the Fear of Rejection
Fortunately, humans are equipped with an advanced brain which allows them to override primitive instincts motivated by primitive emotions such as fear, anger and desire.
We can use our logical reason to override the irrational fears of rejection, because humans are no longer operating in a context of hunter-gathers surviving in small groups of individuals.
We live in communities of millions and so, you don't need to court the favours of any particular gang or family.
You can live life on your own terms.
Definition: fear of rejection
Personal development emotion; anticipatory worry about being socially excluded that stops action; evolved from group-survival need; activates strong avoidance responses before real danger; stays active even when modern risk is low.
Show CG4D Definition
- Centres on possible social exclusion or disapproval
- Elicits avoidance of goals with perceived refusal risk
- Rooted in evolutionary need for group acceptance
- Persists even when actual threat to survival is minimal
Article Summary
Fear of rejection is an old survival alarm that now blocks progress; when we see its roots in group living, test the threat with reason and step forward anyway, we turn that fear into fuel for bold, goal-driven action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
Why does fear of rejection stop people from trying?
How did evolution shape our fear of rejection?
What daily behaviours reveal a hidden fear of rejection?
Can logical thinking help me overcome rejection fear?
Why do some people join harmful groups just to feel accepted?
Is rejection still life-threatening in modern society?
What is the first practical step to beat the fear of rejection?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
In LinkedIn’s Global Confidence Index 2023, 71% of UK workers said they held back from applying for a new role because they feared rejection. A 2024 YouGov poll found that 58% of adults avoid asking for a pay rise because they fear being turned down.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Motivation
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What is 'Quiet Quitting'?
Learn why quiet quitting spreads when culture fails, managers bully or life intrudes, and discover training steps that raise employee engagement and motivation.
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Motivational Emotions
Learn why fear and anger harm mental well-being while desire lifts ambition and results. Discover simple ways to use positive motivation to inspire yourself.
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Three Ways to Motivate Others
Learn how to motivate others by rewarding good behaviour, limiting punishment and using praise that boosts profit, cuts absence and turns teamwork into success.
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How to Motivate Someone to Change
Learn how to motivate someone with the Pleasure–Pain Questioning Technique. Two questions expose long-term pain and pleasure, igniting lasting behaviour change.
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Motivational Management: Positive Mental Attitude
Learn eight clear steps to develop a positive mental attitude, boost self confidence and stop negative talk. Apply them today to turn your goals into results.
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