Eyes On- Does Rejection Still Hurt? Here's How to Turn It Into Your Greatest Motivation

06/25/24 • 9 min

1 Listener

Uncover Your Eyes: The Truth About Health And Wellness

In this vulnerable and powerful episode of Uncover Your Eyes, Dr. Meenal Agarwal dives deep into the emotion we all try to avoid: rejection. From missed job opportunities to unanswered texts and childhood memories of exclusion, Dr. Meenal shares how rejection has shaped her life—and surprisingly, how it's also fueled her success. But when is rejection a motivator, and when is it just baggage? She challenges us to reflect on whether we’re doing things for ourselves, or to prove something to someone who may no longer care. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like rejection was holding you back—or pushing you too hard.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction: Dr. Meenal reflects on why she chooses to act from joy—not to prove anything.
(00:30) We’ve all been there: childhood rejection, job rejections, and being left out socially.
(01:00) A surprising realization: How rejection was secretly motivating her career and choices.
(02:00) Does rejection fuel us in a healthy way, or keep us trapped in proving mode?
(03:06) The constant weight of feeling rejected—even in small things like unread messages.
(04:00) A mindset shift: What if we viewed rejection differently? A challenge from a powerful women's seminar.
(05:30) When rejection leads to burnout: Taking on too much just to be “seen.”
(06:30) Letting go: You don’t need to prove your worth to the people who rejected you.
(07:30) Motivation check: Are your choices rooted in love or rejection?
(08:30) The story behind this podcast: A passion project born from love—not rejection.

Key Takeaways:

Rejection Is Inevitable – From childhood to career, we all face rejection. What matters is how we respond.
It Can Be a Hidden Motivator – Rejection often fuels ambition, but it can also lead to burnout and stress.
Your Worth Isn’t Conditional – Don’t chase validation from people who’ve walked away or turned you down.
Shift the Narrative – Instead of reacting to rejection, act from a place of purpose, passion, and self-love.
Do It For You – If you’re going to launch that podcast, apply for that job, or say “yes” to an opportunity—do it because you want it.

Resources & Links:

Follow Dr. Meenal Agarwal on Instagram: @dr.meenalagarwal
Subscribe to Uncover Your Eyes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms

Bio:

Dr. Meenal Agarwal is an optometrist, mother, and advocate for mental clarity, resilience, and authentic living. On Uncover Your Eyes, she blends real-life reflections with expert insights to help listeners navigate personal growth, stress, burnout, and wellness. Her mission is to help you see life more clearly—starting from the inside out.

Tags:

Dr. Meenal Agarwal, Uncover Your Eyes, Rejection, Mindset Shift, Emotional Wellness, Burnout, Self-Worth, Women’s Empowerment, Motivation, Mental Health, Life Lessons, Confidence, Self-Acceptance, Resilience, Proving Yourself, Inner Growth, Health, Wellness, Healthcare Innovations,

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction: Dr. Meenal reflects on why she chooses to act from joy—not to prove anything.
(00:30) We’ve all been there: childhood rejection, job rejections, and being left out socially.
(01:00) A surprising realization: How rejection was secretly motivating her career and choices.
(02:00) Does rejection fuel us in a healthy way, or keep us trapped in proving mode?
(03:06) The constant weight of feeling rejected—even in small things like unread messages.
(04:00) A mindset shift: What if we viewed rejection differently? A challenge from a powerful women's seminar.
(05:30) When rejection leads to burnout: Taking on too much just to be “seen.”
(06:30) Letting go: You don’t need to prove your worth to the people who rejected you.
(07:30) Motivation check: Are your choices rooted in love or rejection?
(08:30) The story behind this podcast: A passion project born from love—not rejection.

Key Takeaways:

Rejection Is Inevitable – From childhood to career, we all face rejection. What matters is how we respond.
It Can Be a Hidden Motivator – Rejection often fuels ambition, but it can also lead to burnout and stress.
Your Worth Isn’t Conditional – Don’t chase validation from people who’ve walked away or turned you down.
Shift the Narrative – Instead of reacting to rejection, act from a place of purpose, passion, and self-love.
Do It For You – If you’re going to launch that podcast, apply for that job, or say “yes” to an opportunity—do it because you want it.

Resources & Links:

Follow Dr. Meenal Agarwal on Instagram: @dr.meenalagarwal
Subscribe to Uncover Your Eyes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms

Bio:

Tags:

Previous Episode

Is Work-Life Balance a Myth? Redefining Success, Purpose, and Parenthood with Dr. Rana Taji

In this inspiring episode of Uncover Your Eyes, Dr. Meenal Agarwal speaks with powerhouse optometrist and entrepreneur Dr. Rana Taji about what work-life balance really means—and why it might not exist in the way we've been told. Dr. Taji shares her journey of building a thriving eye care practice while raising a family, making career shifts in her 40s, and finally embracing a definition of success rooted in authenticity, purpose, and self-care. From shifting timelines to redefining midlife crises, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career, parenthood, and the pressure to “do it all.”

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) Self-care is not selfish: why Dr. Taji cares for herself for her kids' sake
(01:00) The new career timeline: Why your 40s and 50s may be your most fulfilling years
(02:19) Dr. Taji’s origin story: How a compassionate optometrist inspired her career at age 12
(04:00) Redefining timelines and letting go of early-career pressure
(06:30) Raising kids, outsourcing help, and rebuilding a “village” to support your ambitions
(09:00) Success redefined: It’s not about titles or money, it’s about loving your work
(12:00) Midlife reflection: A crisis or a powerful period of wisdom and growth?
(16:30) Is balance even real? Why something always has to give—and that’s okay
(20:00) Letting go of unrealistic standards, comparison traps, and household perfection
(22:30) Social media vs. reality: Why others' timelines don’t define your success
(24:00) It’s never too late: Stories of people chasing dreams in their 40s and 50s
(27:00) Authenticity over approval: Reclaiming your identity and purpose
(30:00) The power of goals, self-compassion, and small steps toward fulfillment
(32:00) Why Dr. Taji credits her “dream team” for helping her thrive personally and professionally
(34:00) Final thoughts and where to find Dr. Taji online and in-person

Key Takeaways:

Work-life balance isn’t perfect—and that’s okay. Something always gives, but that doesn’t mean you’re failing.
Your 40s are a time for reinvention. With life experience and freedom from early-career pressure, they’re ideal for passion projects and purpose-driven work.
Authenticity wins. Success is not about doing what looks good—it's about doing what feels right and meaningful to you.
Comparison kills clarity. Don’t base your goals on someone else’s highlight reel. Define success for yourself.
You’re never too late. Whether you’re 30, 50, or 60—ambition, curiosity, and passion are always in style.

Resources & Links:

Dr. Rana Taji’s Clinic: Toronto Medical Eye Associates 1333 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, Ontario Website: www.torontomedicaleyeassociates.ca
Follow Dr. Taji on Instagram: @eyedrtaji
Follow Dr. Meenal Agarwal: @dr.meenalagarwal
Listen to Uncover Your Eyes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms

Bio:

Dr. Rana Taji is the owner and medical director of Toronto Medical Eye Associates. A respected optometrist, lecturer, and clinical supervisor, she is also a mother of two and a strong advocate for redefining success through authenticity, flexibility, and purpose. Her journey serves as an empowering reminder that with support, passion, and grace—you truly can have it all, just not all at once.

Tags:

Dr. Rana Taji, Dr. Meenal Agarwal, Uncover Your Eyes, Work-Life Balance, Women in Healthcare, Career Shifts in Your 40s, Optometry, Purpose-Driven Work, Authenticity, Entrepreneurship, Burnout, Motherhood, Mental Health, Leadership, Female Business Owners, Self-Care, Personal Growth, Midlife Reinvention

Next Episode

Is Chronic Pain Controlling Your Life? Simple Solutions for Lasting Relief with Dr. Pawan Sabharwal

In this essential episode of Uncover Your Eyes, Dr. Meenal Agarwal welcomes chiropractor Dr. Pawan Sabharwal to discuss how small, mindful changes can significantly reduce chronic pain. Dr. Sabharwal reveals why everyday habits, poor ergonomics, and stress are the leading contributors to common issues like back pain, neck stiffness, and muscle tension. He explains the strong connection between mental stress and physical pain, provides practical ergonomic tips for workplaces and homes, and uncovers effective sleeping positions and driving ergonomics. Listen in for actionable insights on reclaiming your health, reducing inflammation through diet, and understanding innovative treatments like red-light therapy.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction: Understanding why chronic pain becomes a significant part of our lives.
(02:00) How repetitive daily habits lead to persistent lower back and neck pain.
(03:14) Why your body "seizes up": Recognizing early signs and avoiding debilitating pain episodes.
(05:56) The powerful link between physical pain, stress, and mental health.
(08:00) Why younger people are experiencing pain more frequently—technology, posture, and lifestyle factors.
(14:24) Understanding sciatica: Why pain radiates down your legs from your lower back.
(15:30) Ergonomics at work: Small adjustments healthcare providers and office workers can make to reduce daily strain.
(18:00) Ergonomics of driving: Adjusting your car seat correctly to prevent back and neck pain.
(22:24) Pain at home: Proper ways to bend, vacuum, and perform daily chores without causing strain.
(26:37) Healthy sleeping positions: Practical tips to reduce lower back pain through better sleep ergonomics.
(31:30) The role of diet: Foods that can significantly increase inflammation and worsen chronic pain.
(33:30) Benefits of red-light therapy: How it helps decrease inflammation and accelerate healing.
(35:36) "You're only as old as you feel": The importance of proactive wellness in reducing your biological age.
(38:00) How to reach Dr. Sabharwal and find daily tips for pain relief and better ergonomics.

Key Takeaways:

Habit Awareness: Chronic pain often stems from repetitive daily activities; being mindful can reduce pain significantly.
Mind-Body Connection: Stress and emotional strain significantly contribute to chronic physical pain.
Proper Ergonomics: Small adjustments in workplace, home tasks, and driving posture dramatically improve long-term pain outcomes.
Sleep Matters: Adjusting sleeping positions and using strategic pillow placement can alleviate back and neck pain.
Diet and Inflammation: Identifying and reducing intake of inflammatory foods like sugar, salt, and nightshade vegetables can decrease chronic pain.

Resources & Links:

Dr. Pawan Sabharwal’s Website: My Chiro Mobility
Follow Dr. Sabharwal: Instagram and TikTok @the.mindful.spine
Connect with Dr. Meenal Agarwal: Instagram @dr.meenalagarwal

Bio:

Dr. Pawan Sabharwal is a Toronto-based chiropractor and the founder of My Chiro Mobility. Dedicated to improving patient health by addressing root causes of chronic pain, Dr. Sabharwal provides personalized ergonomic and wellness solutions through house calls and workplace visits. Passionate about patient education, he promotes proactive health strategies for long-term physical and mental wellness.

Tags:

Chronic Pain, Back Pain Relief, Neck Pain, Sciatica, Ergonomics, Chiropractic Care, Red Light Therapy, Pain Management, Mental Health, Wellness Habits, Dr. Pawan Sabharwal, Dr. Meenal Agarwal, Uncover Your Eyes, Sleep Ergonomics, Inflammation, Anti-inflammatory Diet, Workplace Wellness, Driving Ergonomics, Proactive Health, Self-Care, Health, Healthcare education, Physical health, Self-advocacy, Wellness, Healthcare innovations