3 Tactics to Turn a “No” Into a “Yes” and Embrace a Fearless New Year

Do you have the courage to fear rejection but ask anyway? Not many do.

But, if you can learn how to become rejection-proof, the opportunities to turn a “no” into a “yes,” are endless says Jia Jiang, an entrepreneur and founder of rejectiontherapy.com.

“By nature, humans are wired to be liked and loved by others, to remain part of the group,” he said.

While this bodes well for keeping society together, the fear to displease often keeps us from mustering  the courage to ask for what we want. It can also leave us prone to giving up when we are rejected, leaving potential opportunities behind.

The Power of Becoming “Rejection-Proof”

In the long term, the fear to ask can set us on an unhappy path. That’s exactly where Jiang was in life when he learned how he could grow from rejection.

He embarked on a 100-day journey to seek out rejection and learn from it by asking strangers questions that were sure to garner a rejection. He quickly learned that a few simple questions asked after the initial rejection could turn the rejector into a collaborator.

Now Jiang helps others do the same. He says nurses have the power to be “rejection-proof” in their personal and professional lives.

How to Turn a “No” Into a “Yes” and Make 2024 Your Fearless Year

Ahead of his general session at AORN’s upcoming annual conference in March, Jiang shared how to stop taking “No” as a final answer.

1. Build Your Courage to Ask
   Fear often stops a person from even verbalizing what they want, whether it’s asking to be hired, to be in a relationship, or even to obtain knowledge. This gets you nowhere.
   
   Have the courage to think about what you want and then ask for it—it will feel empowering and life changing.


2. Add Context to Your Question
   Being prepared for a rejection is good, but the goal is to frame your question to get a “yes” right away.
   
   So, before you ask for something, think about your intention and your goals behind your request. Then find the words to build that context into your question, such as bringing it back to wanting to improve patient outcomes.
   
   People are far more likely to say “yes” when you are asking something with true intention.


3. Follow a rejection, with “How”
   People typically don’t want to reject you twice. That’s why “how” is a magic word. It gives you the power to invite the other person to collaborate with you by discussing how to achieve your ask together.

Say you ask your boss for a promotion but get turned down. Many people would be mad or question their future with the organization. Instead of getting mad, ask your boss “how” you can grow professionally and invite them to set out a blueprint with you to establish professional goals you want to work toward.

Then keep asking for what you want. Maybe you have a conversation in six months to ask, “where do you think I am with this plan we established.”

Ring in the New Year with Rejection-Proof Resolutions

As we approach the end of the year, consider taking Jiang’s Rejection Resilience Assessment to see how rejection-proof you are. Use insights gained to set fearless resolutions for the coming year.

Then make time to attend his talk at AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo, March 9-12, in Nashville and start turning more “no’s” into “yes’s".