Overcoming the Fear of Rejection: Why You Should Never Say “No” for Someone Else

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Babe Ruth: Success Through Failure

Consider Babe Ruth, the “Home Run King.” He was the first player to hit 60 home runs in a single season, transforming baseball in the 1920s. But here’s what most people forget: from 1926 to 1964, Babe Ruth also held the record for most career strikeouts. The same swing that led to countless misses also delivered his greatest victories. His success was inseparable from his failures.

Why Rejection Is a Gift

Rejection clears the playing field. It separates casual dreamers from those willing to persist. Every “no” you push through brings you closer to the rare group of innovators and leaders who turn their ideas into reality.

Like Italian men who aren’t crushed when a flirtation is rejected, we too must stop letting rejection define us. Instead, we must accept it as part of the journey.

Because here’s the good news: somewhere out there, there’s a yes waiting for you.

Overcoming the Fear of Rejection – Justin’s Big Ask

In my Dream Year coaching program, participant Justin Wise had a bold dream.

He wanted to attend Dave Ramsey’s EntreLeadership event—a prestigious business conference with only 150 seats and a $4,000 price tag.

RELATED: Embracing Rejection

As a young ministry leader, Justin couldn’t afford it. But instead of quitting, he made the ask. He emailed Dave Ramsey, explaining his situation and asking if he could attend for free. One week later, Dave not only invited Justin as his guest—he paid for Justin’s airfare and hotel.

Imagine how many people would have said “no” for Dave before ever sending that email, all because of the fear of rejection.

Keep Asking, Keep Knocking

As we ask, some doors will open and others will close. That’s part of the process.

Our role is to:

  • Keep knocking on doors.

  • Keep trying doorknobs.

  • Keep stepping out on the water.

When we push through rejection and sift through the no’s, something amazing happens: eventually, we get our yes.

And when that yes comes, our dream takes one step closer to reality.

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benarment@churchleaders.com'
Ben Armenthttp://www.benarment.com/
Ben Arment helps people launch great things. He’s the founder of Dream Year, The Whiteboard Sessions, and STORY in Chicago, and he also wrote a book called Church in the Making. He and his wife Ainsley live in Virginia Beach and have three cowboys, Wyatt, Dylan & Cody.

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