How Many "No's" Does It Take?

As leaders, we are often conditioned to chase the "yes" - yes to new opportunities, yes to collaborations, yes to new ideas. Interestingly enough, I've discovered chasing the "yes" was helpful, but not what truly defined my path to success. The transformation of my journey has been shaped by the "no's". Which got me to thinking....how many "no's" does it take to reach success?

It's easy to feel defeated when faced with rejection or resistance. When you're pursuing a promotion, pitching a new project, or introducing a new initiative, a "no" can feel like a roadblock. What if we shifted our perspective and saw each "no" as a stepping stone to growth?

Here's the reality...every successful leader has faced countless rejections. Think about some of the most influential leaders in history - they didn't reach the top without hearing "no" time after time. The difference is how they responded. They didn't stop. They learned. They pivoted and forged on. (And maybe they muttered a few choice words under their breath before bouncing back).

There is value in the word "no". It is more than a closed door. It's feedback. It's an opportunity to refine your approach, strengthen your resolve, and build resilience. Each rejection is a lesson, helping you shape your strategy and ultimately to prepare you for the "yes" that will change everything. The next time you find yourself knee-deep in rejections and on your third cup of coffee...take a deep breath and consider these three things:

Seek Feedback: Instead of dwelling on the rejection, ask why. Why was the answer no? Stay open to receive the constructive feedback that will help you improve your next attempt.

Reflect: What could you have done differently? Adjust and try again. This step is the one I learn the most from. As leaders, we often times don't reflect enough until the situation forces us to. There is a lesson in reflection.

Persevere: Remember, perseverance is what separates successful leaders from those who give up. I've seen leaders throw the towel in when they were SO close to the finish line. Resilience is everything in leadership. Pump the brakes, rest, restart...whatever you have to do to keep going.

The cold truth is, it takes dozens and sometimes hundreds of "no's" to reach that one "yes" that makes it all worth it. So the next time you are faced with a "no", lean in. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it propel you forward. You're one step closer to the breakthrough you've been working for! So...how many "no's" does it take? As many as it takes to get to the "YES" that counts!