One of the hardest challenges I faced in my life was rejection. The fear of being turned down often held me back from trying new things, sometimes making it debilitating. Throughout my 20s, I traveled extensively, exploring various corners of the world. I spent months in Australia and visited numerous countries across Europe, including Paris, Rome, Germany, England, Amsterdam, Prague, Serbia, and Slovakia. These experiences enriched my life and broadened my perspective before I embarked on my career.
Having lived in five different states in the U.S., I thought I had seen it all. But when I moved to New York City, I decided it was time to confront my fears head-on. I launched a daring initiative as part of my Paint the Town Red project, where I approached people on the streets of New York and asked if they wanted to participate. Naturally, I faced rejection—many turned me down. Yet, I persevered and ultimately interviewed over 500 individuals.
My goal was to understand what people thought about rejection. Their responses were enlightening and humbling, revealing that this project was not just about my fears but about their experiences and insights.
No to Rejection!
While many associate the word “no” with failure, I challenge you to see it as a stepping stone toward success. Rejection is never easy, but as humans, we have the power to change our perceptions. We can train ourselves to view rejection as an opportunity for growth, making us feel stronger and more unstoppable.
Today, I invite you to listen to the street geniuses I encountered during my interviews. They share their wisdom on embracing rejection and transforming it into a powerful motivator.