Go For NO!!

Story of a Friend Who Inspires

Last week, I met a dear friend who achieved an incredible milestone: completing a significant professional goal ahead of time! While celebrating his success, I discovered something fascinating about his mindset. Despite reaching his target early, he chose not to rest on his laurels. Instead, he kept pushing forward with the same intensity and enthusiasm, even when further milestones seemed out of reach for this year.

When I asked him why, his answer struck a chord:

"It’s not about the immediate milestones; it’s about staying motivated and avoiding the comfort zone. That’s how I’ll maintain my speed for next year’s goals."

This insight is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and focus, regardless of where we stand on our journey.

Lessons from Go for No!

This conversation reminded me of the principles shared in the book Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz. The book flips conventional thinking about success and rejection. Instead of fearing "no," the authors encourage us to embrace it, even celebrate it, as part of the journey to achieving greatness.

Here are a few gems from the book:

• "No" is not the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone to it. Every "no" brings you closer to a "yes."
• Set goals for rejections. Instead of only aiming for a specific number of successes, strive to hear a certain number of "no’s."
• Rejection builds resilience. Each "no" strengthens your ability to persevere and refine your approach.

A Mindset Shift for All of Us

Many of us struggle with:

• Fear of Rejection: The worry of hearing "no" can stop us from even trying. This fear limits our growth and potential.
• Stagnation in the Comfort Zone: After achieving a milestone, it’s tempting to relax and settle. This often leads to loss of momentum and missed opportunities.

By reframing "no" as part of the process, we can overcome these challenges and keep moving forward.

In any profession or personal endeavor, the word "no" is often seen as a roadblock. But what if we celebrated each rejection as an opportunity? What if we treated it as an indication that we are putting ourselves out there and making progress?

I’m inspired by my friend’s unwavering spirit and the lessons from Go for No! to rethink how I approach my own targets. And I encourage you to do the same:

• Let’s celebrate the "no’s" as much as the "yes’s."
• Let’s use every rejection as fuel for improvement.
• Let’s stay motivated and out of our comfort zones, no matter how big or small the milestone.

What’s one rejection you can celebrate this week? Share your stories with me and let’s motivate each other to see "no" in a new light. Together, we can stay on track and hit next year’s goals with renewed energy and purpose.

Let’s keep going for "no!" and achieving greatness, one step at a time.