Great article as always. Thank you! It flips the narrative on rejection and encourages us to embrace it as a stepping stone to growth and success. I really liked your personal examples which bring life to the concept, making it feel tangible and achievable. I especially loved the reframing of rejection goals and how they can speed up failure cycles to increase our odds of success. It’s a mindset shift many of us need.
But as empowering as this idea is, I think it’s important to acknowledge why rejection can be so hard for many people. It’s not just about the "no." Rejection often triggers deep-seated fears of inadequacy, self-doubt, and even shame. Many of us have an inner critic that turns a single rejection into a sweeping narrative of personal failure. For those struggling with this, stepping into the world of "ask and get rejected often" can feel emotionally overwhelming.
This is where balancing rejection with reflection becomes crucial. Setting rejection goals is powerful, but it’s just as important to pause and process what happens after each "no." Did the rejection sting more than expected? Why? Was it tied to a specific fear or belief about your abilities? Reflection helps untangle these emotions and narratives, making it easier to bounce back and try again.
A big part of this reflection involves your inner dialogue. When faced with rejection, our instinct might be self-criticism: "I’m not good enough," or "Why did I even try?" But this is where reframing becomes essential. Instead of, "I failed," try, "This wasn’t the right fit, but I’ll learn from it." By addressing the stories we tell ourselves, we can move from self-doubt to self-compassion. Tools like journaling, mindfulness, or even having a mantra like "Every 'no' brings me closer to a 'yes'" can counteract that inner critic and help us build resilience over time.
Lastly, rejection isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. For some, cultural or personal upbringing might make rejection feel especially daunting. Addressing these unique challenges requires empathy, both for ourselves and others. It’s not just about being brave; it’s about being kind to ourselves as we learn to navigate this new mindset.
Thank you again for highlighting this thought-provoking topic.
But I love this idea for taking more risks. I think lower stakes rejections will make it easier to build the resilience for bigger asks. Thank you so much for sharing the pitch, the questions, and the rejection log. Those made it really approachable for me to start taking the leap. May the next year be filled with many more rejections (and acceptances) in the next year, Insha'Allah!
It’s a major advantage!! I would reach out and ask where it is in the process and be direct! Often apps get stuck in process and it’s not personal. Good luck!
I love how you provided examples of a low value versus high value pitch. I have a small audience right now but have been taking notes to reach out to creators/brands in the future for collaboration. Thank you for sharing your insights!
This is such a great POV. I’m working on adding this to my weekly planning.
Love to see it
Great article as always. Thank you! It flips the narrative on rejection and encourages us to embrace it as a stepping stone to growth and success. I really liked your personal examples which bring life to the concept, making it feel tangible and achievable. I especially loved the reframing of rejection goals and how they can speed up failure cycles to increase our odds of success. It’s a mindset shift many of us need.
But as empowering as this idea is, I think it’s important to acknowledge why rejection can be so hard for many people. It’s not just about the "no." Rejection often triggers deep-seated fears of inadequacy, self-doubt, and even shame. Many of us have an inner critic that turns a single rejection into a sweeping narrative of personal failure. For those struggling with this, stepping into the world of "ask and get rejected often" can feel emotionally overwhelming.
This is where balancing rejection with reflection becomes crucial. Setting rejection goals is powerful, but it’s just as important to pause and process what happens after each "no." Did the rejection sting more than expected? Why? Was it tied to a specific fear or belief about your abilities? Reflection helps untangle these emotions and narratives, making it easier to bounce back and try again.
A big part of this reflection involves your inner dialogue. When faced with rejection, our instinct might be self-criticism: "I’m not good enough," or "Why did I even try?" But this is where reframing becomes essential. Instead of, "I failed," try, "This wasn’t the right fit, but I’ll learn from it." By addressing the stories we tell ourselves, we can move from self-doubt to self-compassion. Tools like journaling, mindfulness, or even having a mantra like "Every 'no' brings me closer to a 'yes'" can counteract that inner critic and help us build resilience over time.
Lastly, rejection isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. For some, cultural or personal upbringing might make rejection feel especially daunting. Addressing these unique challenges requires empathy, both for ourselves and others. It’s not just about being brave; it’s about being kind to ourselves as we learn to navigate this new mindset.
Thank you again for highlighting this thought-provoking topic.
This comment is so insightful I should have included something about it in the piece - really well thought out and provides a more holistic approach
Omg screw forbes, their loss!
But I love this idea for taking more risks. I think lower stakes rejections will make it easier to build the resilience for bigger asks. Thank you so much for sharing the pitch, the questions, and the rejection log. Those made it really approachable for me to start taking the leap. May the next year be filled with many more rejections (and acceptances) in the next year, Insha'Allah!
Yeah, in hindsight doesn’t sting as much – let’s all get rejected more in 2025 ❤️
😍😍😍😍Very timely with the new year! Never thought of it this way. Thanks for providing the questions, approach and rejection log.
Yesssss!! Love this - to a 2025 of rejection
Love this article. I share a similar mindset, and track rejections as opposed to acceptances.
There was a proposal I submitted that stalled and I didn’t know how to follow up. Now I do.
It’s a major advantage!! I would reach out and ask where it is in the process and be direct! Often apps get stuck in process and it’s not personal. Good luck!
I love how you provided examples of a low value versus high value pitch. I have a small audience right now but have been taking notes to reach out to creators/brands in the future for collaboration. Thank you for sharing your insights!