I refuse to take NO for an answer - One YES is all you NEED.
7 Steps to turn every No into your next Big Yes
We’ve all been there. A promotion, a job offer, a new opportunity—something we want more than anything else.
But what do we get instead? A resounding "No."
It’s a word that can sting, even more so when you’ve put your heart into something. But here’s the thing: success doesn’t come from avoiding "No."
It comes from how you handle it.
Every successful person has faced rejection and setbacks, yet they’ve managed to turn those "No's" into a powerful "Yes."
Today, let's explore how you can turn those No's around and why it only takes one Yes to change everything.
What's Inside:
Don't Take It Personally
Learn the Real Reason Behind the No
Keep Asking the Right Questions
Someone's Opinion Is Not Your Fact
Show Your Progress, Show Off Your Growth
Rant If You Need To
Understand Why You Need This Yes
💡Bonus Point
Don't take 'no' for an answer. Keep knocking down walls until someone says 'yes.'
- Chelsea Handler
1. Don’t Take It Personally
There was a time when I would interview just for the experience. Yes, I needed a job, but I also needed to overcome my fear of rejection.
Like many of us, I would get really upset after hearing a "No." My confidence would plummet, and it was obvious to anyone who spoke with me. Until one day, I decided to change my perspective.
A No isn’t a reflection of your worth as a person. It’s not a final judgment on your abilities. It’s just feedback at a particular stage of your journey.
Think of it as "not yet," "not now," or "not this time." These No's come with valuable information. Maybe it’s a sign you’re not ready for the next stage just yet.
Don’t take it personally. Instead, look at it as a learning experience.
No one owes you a Yes. Work for it.
2. Learn the Real Reason Behind the No
Understanding why you got a No is crucial.
If you're interviewing, was the position filled internally? Has the hiring process been paused? Or did you not meet certain requirements?
If you're asking for a promotion, is it because you missed targets, lacked certain skills, or need more experience?
Knowing the exact reason can provide a clear path forward. It’s not about finding fault; it’s about understanding where you can improve.
3. Keep Asking the Right Questions
Once you know why you were turned down, don’t stop there. Ask the right questions.
How can I get there? What skills do I need to develop? What should I focus on? What certifications can I pursue?
Don’t be annoying, but don’t shy away from asking for guidance either.
Questions are powerful tools for growth. They can help you build a roadmap to get to that Yes.
It’s like that saying, play stupid games win stupid prizes. So, if you ask vague questions, you’ll get vague answers.
Just remember, Be specific, and you’ll get the clarity you need.
4. Someone’s Opinion Is Not Your Fact
Sometimes, people say No in ways that feel harsh, rude, or even personal.
It’s easy to let their words get under your skin, but remember: someone’s opinion is not your fact. Just because someone says you’re not ready or not good enough doesn’t mean it’s true.
It just means, for them, at that moment, you didn’t meet their needs or expectations.
I've often been too harsh on myself in the past. One criticism was all it took for the entire Jenga tower to come crashing down.
I’d hear “You might not be ready for the position yet” and twist it into “You’ll never be ready, and you’re a failure.”
We have all been there.
Take what’s useful from feedback, and discard the rest. Their opinion of you isn’t who you are. Keep moving forward.
5. Show Off Your Growth
After understanding where you need to improve, start working on it. Don’t just think about it—take action.
Enroll in that course, learn that new skill, and get involved in projects that showcase your abilities. Let your managers or leaders see the effort you’re putting in. Be visible.
Make your work seen. Show your progress. Celebrate your growth.
Don’t just fake it till you make it; actually make it.
Your dedication and improvement will not go unnoticed. The right people have their tabs on you, in a good way of course :)
6. Rant If You Need To
Facing rejection is tough. It’s okay to feel frustrated or down.
If you need to rant, do it. If you need to cry, let it out.
If it’s affecting you deeply, consider speaking to a therapist.
Getting all that negative energy out is important. Bottling it up will only make things worse.
After one of my appraisals, I cried for weeks. I couldn’t get the criticism out of my head, even though I knew where I had room to improve. I also wanted acknowledgment for what I had done right.
After many nights of tears, I realized I needed to focus on what I could control. I celebrated my achievements and planned for future improvements.
It’s okay to have a moment, but don’t stay there. Pick yourself up and keep moving.
7. Understand Why You Need This Yes
Before you chase a Yes, understand why you want it. Is it about status? Money? Opportunity? Personal growth? Be honest with yourself. Knowing the real reason behind your drive can help you stay focused and motivated, even when things don’t go your way.
When you understand why you’re pushing for something, it’s easier to stay committed and resilient.
💡Bonus: Build your Reputation
In the world of work, your reputation is your currency. Build a reputation as someone who never lets anything dim their shine.
Let people see you as the person who never gives up, who turns every “no” into fuel for the next attempt.
Be known as the go-getter who keeps pushing forward, always learning, and constantly improving. When others see your unshakeable spirit, they'll remember you not for the obstacles you faced, but for how you blazed past them.
Your resilience and determination will be what sets you apart, turning every challenge into your next big opportunity.
You CAN turn a No into a Yes
Yield to learning: Use every No as a lesson to grow and improve. Seek feedback and apply it.
Engage with the process: Keep asking the right questions, showing your progress, and staying committed to your goals.
Stay positive: Focus on your growth, celebrate your wins, and keep your mindset strong.
It only takes one Yes to make all the No's worthwhile. Bring your best self to every challenge. Your next ‘Yes’ might be just around the corner.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I'm Sonali, and I speak for a living. From one of the quietest kids in class, I've found my voice as a Speaker, Author, and Coach.
I've reached over 100,000 viewers on Josh Talks and spoken at various business events and universities. I've also co-authored two books, one featured in the India and Asia Book of Records.
I'm currently working on my first solo book about overcoming insecurities. If you love self-help and non-fiction, you'll enjoy it.
As a LinkedIn Top Voice in Public Speaking, I'm here to help you level up your presentation skills—sign up for my waiting list through this link. I write this newsletter every week, so stay tuned and share what topics you'd love to see!
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