Rejection is an inevitable part of life, especially in business. But what if I told you that every “no” you receive isn’t pushing you further from your goal—it’s actually bringing you closer? This perspective has transformed my approach to rejection and has been key to my success in the sports and entertainment industry.
When I reach out to someone and get no response, that’s one no. If I follow up and still hear nothing, that’s two nos. By the third attempt without a response, I’ve developed a simple but effective strategy: “Hey, this obviously isn’t a good time. You may be in a meeting or on a phone call. Call me back when it is.”
This approach accomplishes one of two things. Either I’m letting someone go who was never going to say yes anyway—saving us both time and energy—or I’m compelling the person to get back to me faster. It’s a win-win situation that removes the sting from rejection and turns it into a strategic tool.
The Psychology Behind Rejection and Response
Understanding human behavior has been crucial in my career. One of the most important insights I’ve gained is that happy people don’t attack you. It’s almost physically impossible. When someone responds negatively or attacks you, it’s not about you—it’s because they’re unhappy with themselves.
This realization is liberating. It allows me to separate myself from the rejection and understand that it rarely has anything to do with me personally. People who are content and fulfilled don’t feel the need to tear others down.
Taking Care of Yourself First
Too often, I see people justify their actions by saying, “I’m doing this for my family” or “I need to make money for my family.” While the intention is admirable, this approach can be counterproductive if you’re neglecting yourself in the process.
I’ve learned that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary. When you’re healthy and fulfilled, you can have:
- As many wishes a day as you want
- As many dreams a day as you want
- The energy to pursue your goals despite rejection
Self-care isn’t just about physical health—it encompasses mental and emotional well-being too. When you’re in a good place personally, you’re better equipped to handle rejection and continue moving forward.
Turning Rejection Into Opportunity
Each “no” provides valuable information. It tells you either:
- Your approach needs adjustment
- You’re targeting the wrong person
- Your timing is off
Instead of seeing these as failures, I view them as data points that help refine my strategy. This shift in perspective transforms rejection from something to fear into something to embrace.
When I was building my career at Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, I faced countless rejections. Each one taught me something and brought me closer to my next success. Had I given up after the first few “nos,” I would never have achieved the breakthroughs that defined my career.
The Power of Persistence
Persistence isn’t about blindly repeating the same actions. It’s about strategic follow-up and knowing when to pivot. My three-attempt approach gives people enough opportunity to respond while respecting both their time and mine.
Remember that success rarely comes from a single attempt. It’s the result of consistent effort, learning from each rejection, and refining your approach. The most successful people I know aren’t those who never faced rejection—they’re the ones who understood that each “no” was bringing them closer to their ultimate “yes.”
By embracing rejection as part of the journey rather than an obstacle, you free yourself from the fear that holds so many people back. And when you combine this mindset with self-care and strategic persistence, you create a formula for success that can weather any number of “nos” along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you maintain a positive attitude after multiple rejections?
I focus on viewing each rejection as progress rather than failure. By understanding that every “no” brings me closer to a “yes,” I can maintain momentum. I also prioritize self-care to ensure I have the emotional resilience to handle rejection without taking it personally.
Q: What if someone responds negatively to your follow-up attempts?
When someone responds negatively, I remind myself that their reaction reflects their state of mind, not my worth. Happy people don’t attack others. I then evaluate whether this relationship is worth pursuing or if my energy would be better directed elsewhere.
Q: How do you know when to stop pursuing someone after multiple “nos”?
My three-attempt approach creates a natural stopping point. After three tries with no response, my final message gives them an opportunity to reach out when they’re ready. If they never do, I’ve effectively let go of someone who wasn’t going to say yes anyway, allowing me to focus my energy on more promising opportunities.
Q: Can your approach to rejection be applied to personal relationships as well as business?
Absolutely. The principles of not taking rejection personally, understanding that negative responses often stem from the other person’s unhappiness, and knowing when to let go are valuable in all relationships. The specific follow-up strategy might differ, but the underlying mindset applies universally.
Q: What’s the most important thing to remember when facing rejection?
The most important thing to remember is that rejection is rarely about you. People make decisions based on their own circumstances, needs, and state of mind. By taking care of yourself first and maintaining perspective, you can view rejection as valuable feedback rather than personal failure, allowing you to adjust your approach and continue moving forward.
