We all know the feeling:
You want to ask for something, but you’re afraid of being rejected or coming across as demanding or pushy.
We often shy away from asking for what we need, fearing the dreaded “no.” That two-letter word can feel like a personal rejection, sparking self-doubt and hesitation.
Maybe you want to ask your boss for a raise, or you want to pitch a new idea to your team. Whatever it is, the fear of rejection can hold you back from taking risks, getting the support you need and achieving your goals.
But what if there was a way to overcome your fear of rejection?
Can we learn to ask for what we want, even when we’re not sure we’ll get it?
Yes! We can.
There’s a groundbreaking concept, called rejection therapy, that encourages you to seek out rejection by making audacious requests, both in your personal life and your business, where you expect to hear “no.” Instead of fearing the “no,” you actively seek it out, thereby transforming your relationship with rejection.
In this way, you get used to hearing “no” by asking anyone for anything without expecting to get any “yes” answers. These requests can be silly, fun and even ridiculous. You begin by making these requests where you expect to hear “no” and then it’s not so bad. As you move into more serious requests, you’ll already be used to hearing so much “no,” that when you build up to more meaningful requests, you won’t feel as rejected. This process desensitises you to the rejection experience.
For example, when you go shopping, ask the cashier to give you one item in your cart for free OR go up to a stranger and ask them to walk your dog OR ask your children to tidy their room (plenty of opportunities to hear no from your kids).
In the business world, people often avoid asking for help or making bold requests, even when they’re essential for growth. Imagine the possibilities if you could confidently ask for assistance on a challenging project or request referrals to boost your sales. Rejection therapy can be a game-changer, helping you overcome your fear of hearing “no.”
You change your mindset and expectations and with that, you increase your opportunities for growth!
You could ask a colleague for guidance on a complex task, approach a potential client for a referral, or pitch a daring idea to your team. Just like asking a stranger to walk your dog or requesting your children to tidy their rooms, these requests may initially seem daunting, but they hold the power to reshape your perception of rejection.
By actively seeking out rejection, you build resilience, develop a thicker skin, and learn that rejection doesn’t define your worth. As you play this transformative game, you may be surprised by the unexpected “yes” responses you receive, opening doors to new opportunities and personal growth.
So, are you ready to play the rejection therapy game? Start asking, start growing, and you might discover that the path to success is paved with “no’s” that lead to extraordinary “yes’s.”
And most importantly, treat it like a game and have fun with it. Create some healthy competition with a group of colleagues and see who can get the most “no’s.”
So, do you want to play?
What are some wacky and not-so-wacky examples for things that you can ask (even perfect strangers) and begin collecting “no’s?”
Let’s play!
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