The Power of No: How Rejection Fuels Success and Resilience

Why every "no" brings you closer to your goals—and how to turn rejection into your greatest advantage.

The Power of No: Why Rejection Is the Key to Success

If you haven’t gotten a “no,” a “no thank you,” or an “I’m gonna have to pass” recently, you're probably not pushing hard enough. Because if you’re aggressively going after what you want—whether in business or your personal goals—you WILL hear “no” A LOT.

Get comfortable with it. Don’t be afraid of it. Because “no” is just the BEGINNING. It serves a vital role in refining your plan, strengthening your ideas, and helping you articulate your vision more clearly.

Rejection Fuels Success

Hearing “no” should ignite your passion, not extinguish it. It should reinforce your commitment, not shake it. Rejection is simply a checkpoint, not a dead end. Every “no” is an opportunity to reassess, refine, and recalibrate. It is a necessary part of the process.

Stop taking “no” at face value. Stop assuming that the person rejecting you is the ultimate authority on your success. They AREN'T. If they don’t see the value in what you’re doing, find someone who does.

My Journey with Rejection

My first book—a terribly written memoir—was rejected by EVERY SINGLE literary agent who represented memoirs. For an entire year, I endured a steady stream of solid “no’s.” Many agents even told me I should probably stop “trying to write.”

But I didn’t stop. That process turned me into a real writer. I kept writing. I kept improving my craft. I knew that to get one “yes,” I’d likely have to get 30 “no’s.” So, when those rejections rolled in, I shook them off and reminded myself: It only takes ONE yes. My ‘yes’ is coming!

My first published book, Hustle Believe Receive, was turned down by about 20 publishers before three finally said yes. It’s been a similar story with my other books as well. If you want something bad enough, a “no” will not stop you form achieving your goal!

The Truth About “No”

A “no” doesn’t mean never—it means not yet. It means you’re not quite ready, or the person/place/opportunity rejecting you isn’t the right fit.

Be RELENTLESS in the pursuit of your dreams. If you refuse to quit, you WILL achieve the success you’re after. It really is that simple.

Keep going. Keep believing. Keep pushing.

Your “yes” is coming.

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About the Author

Sarah Centrella is a sought-after expert in personal development, with over a decade of experience coaching teams and executives at leading companies like Pinterest, Nike, Sony, Verizon, and Morgan Stanley. She is the Founder of VIVIAMO and author of three best-selling books and the creator of trademarked methods that provide actionable strategies for creating purpose-driven lives and thriving workplaces.

Interested in working with Sarah? schedule a FREE consultation now.