Go for the No

Here's something that will sound completely backwards:

You need to get rejected more.

I know, I know. We spend most of our energy trying to AVOID rejection. But hear me out.

Years ago, one of my business coaches told me something that stopped me in my tracks: "If you're proposing at the right price, you should hear 'NO' 60% of the time."

SIXTY PERCENT?! That's more than half!

But here's what I've learned: Those no's aren't condemnation—they're confirmation.

Confirmation that you're:

• Charging what you're worth
• Taking real risks
• Not settling for safe choices
• Being clear about who you are (and who you're not for)

Think about it: If everyone is saying yes to you all the time, you're probably not aiming high enough.

No's suck. They hurt. They make us question everything - and most of us orient our lives around avoiding the NO... and I get it. Part of the reason I decided NOT to became an actress was because I hated the idea of auditioning all the time for the YES... (Plot twist: As a speaker, I basically audition for jobs constantly and get rejected ALL the time!) LOL

And professionally - I've become pretty comfortable with all those No's...

Personally? This is a growth area for me. I'm working on getting more no's as confirmation that I'm stepping away from people pleasing and into SALLY PLEASING. Bring it on!

Because if I'm really not for everybody—then it's time to prove it. Let me BE not for everyone.

Your goal this week? Aim for more no's.

Raise your price. Take that risk. Make a stand. Ask for what you really want.

Because when you're clear about who you are, the people who are FOR you will know it—and the ones who aren't will know it too.

Go for the No.

Challenge: The Strategic Rejection Practice

This week, deliberately seek one rejection in each area:

• Professional: Pitch something slightly outside your usual range
• Personal: Ask for something you really want but aren't sure you'll get
• Creative: Share work before you think it's "ready"

Track what happens. I bet you'll be surprised by how often you DON'T get rejected—and how empowering it feels when you do.

If you're ready for the Advanced REJECTION RESILIENCE path... check out this INTERACTIVE NO BINGO I created! It's a little rough-n-ready (aka, it might not work perfectly!) - but I thought it was kind of fun. Check it out!

Cheering you on,

Sally Z