Comments on: Embracing “No”

By: Vicente

Vicente — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:53:02 +0000

First of all, let me start by apologizing for any english mistakes or errors comitted here, i’m not a native speaker (greetings from Brazil!).

I realize that this is an “old” post, but I think that the suggestion of aiming for a minimun of no’s everyday is a great advice, specially for people working with sales in general. I remember back when I was in college and I was looking for sponsors that would like to advertise in our Academic Week, and even though I “knew” that some companies would never sponsor us, I still called them and presented our proposal. It is a really great way of keep yourself running, and after all, you end up practicing your pitch as well.

Last, but not least, I also want to congratulate you guys for this excelente blog! I’ve been Reading it for the last 3~4 days and everyday I found something useful or some great foods for thought, keep up the good work!

By: Tim

Tim — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:15:47 +0000

Great message! I need this today. This morning I had another highly disappointing, unsatisfactory score on the GRE, this being the second time I’ve taken it. This bad grade is not a conventional “no”, but it’s a setback that works in the same way. I know I can do better, and I’m trying to rally in response to this “no” to be better and beat the test next time!

By: Aji

Aji — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:32:52 +0000

I like what this article says, but frankly… I’d like to disagree on the “tell other people your goals so you have accountability.”

Here’s where I first heard the idea to keep my goals secret. And so far… so good for me!

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/derek_sivers_keep_your_goals_to_yourself.html

By: Boyd

Boyd — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 23:32:37 +0000

As in Jeff’s suggestion for a companion article, I actually thought this was going to be about “saying ‘no’ to others” which I believe is a component of well-rounded manliness. Even still, I was pleasantly surprised by the direction of this post and I realize this is an area I need to explore. As a business owner, I constantly have to push myself out of my comfort zone and face my fears, but fear of rejection is biggie for most of us. I think this type of discussion can greatly strip that fear of its power and I’m grateful that AoM exists. The more I read this blog, the more I become a raving fan. Thanks Matt & Brett.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:41:03 +0000

An old game when going out to a club with friends: everyone throws 5 bucks into a pot at the beginning. Whoever gets rejected by the most girls at the end of the night takes home the money.

By: Eliabe

Eliabe — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:14:24 +0000

Man, this is great!

Those last lines are going right into my favorite quotes list!

Thanks, brother!

By: Bruce Egert

Bruce Egert — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:06:08 +0000

As someone who has worked his way through college and law school and has been in practice for 30 years along with the long hours that go along with it, I’ve always made sure never to listen to “people.” I’ve given my two sons the same advice. “People” do not know what you want or wish you well. Follow your own path to success. Never give up and always work hard. Observe other successful people but always remain true to your own, unique virtues.

By: Chris Nelson

Chris Nelson — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:56:13 +0000

Like Matt, I realized the best way to make sure I stuck to my goal of becoming a Better Man was to brag foolishly about them to as many people as I could – it’s why I started a blog to document my progress. After one year, I failed at just about all of my goals, but the one thing I am proud of is not suffering the indignity of giving up….I continue strive, and I continue to blog. This is how life goes – not all of us get to be Justin Bieber, and lucky for us that’s completely okay. For one, the hair is ridiculous, and two, the simple act of working hard and doing your best can give you pride beyond measure.

By: RJ

RJ — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:26:03 +0000

@ Brian
Thanks for that Suggestion. I have confidence in so many things. This is one I think I need a great deal of Guidance in to Catch my baring and make a good foundation. It will happen. The quality.. well.. that will be up to how I set my foundation. As much Help from anyone will be openly received. I am not sure how to give my Email address here. Or if that is considered wise or permitted. But I’ll give it to anyone who wishes to Help an Old Guy Catch fire for his dream.
Again.. Great Article. It , well, Inspired me too.

By: Alejandro

Alejandro — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 04:29:46 +0000

As a technical and creative writer, this hit home with me. I submitted a query for my first completed novel to a publishing house last November. Writing is my one true passion in life, so being rejected is inevitable. There are some things that are just too important to give up and, yes, rejection can serve as much-needed fuel to get it done, no matter who says you can’t.