‘’What Getting Rejected 100 Times Taught Me About Success’’

I read or how many YouTube videos I watched about "embracing failure," nothing could have prepared me for the brutal experience of being told “no” — over and over again.

In the span of one year, I was rejected more than 100 times. Jobs, freelance gigs, publications, friendships, relationships — you name it. It got to a point where rejection wasn’t just a part of my life, it was my life. But looking back, I wouldn’t trade that year for anything. It taught me lessons that comfort never could.

Lesson 1: Rejection Isn’t Personal —

The first few rejections hit hard. I’d pour my soul into applications or messages and hear nothing back. It felt like the world was telling me I wasn’t enough.

But after the 20th or 30th rejection, I began to see a pattern: I was applying to things that weren’t actually aligned with who I was or what I wanted. Rejection wasn’t personal. It was a signal to pivot.

I started asking: “Is this even what I want? Or am I chasing someone else’s definition of success?”

That shift changed everything.

Lesson 2: Confidence Is Built, Not Given

Every rejection felt like a blow to my self-worth. But around the 50th “no,” something unexpected happened … I started writing better applications, pitching more boldly, speaking more honestly. Rejection didn’t scare me anymore. In point of fact, it grew into a badge of honor. I was trying. I was growing. I was moving.

Confidence doesn’t come from winning. It comes from surviving the losses and still showing up.

Lesson 3: One “Yes” Is All It Takes

Rejection 86 was a big one a freelance pitch I had high hopes for. I gave it my all. And still, the answer was no almost quiting a day

But I didn’t. I sent out four more pitches that week.

On the 91st try, someone said yes.

That single “yes” changed the trajectory of my writing career. It resulted in connections, paid opportunities, and exposure. But more than that, it proved that I was closer than I thought.

Success isn’t about never hearing “no.” It’s about staying in the game long enough to hear the right “yes.”

Lesson 4: You’re Not Alone

Rejection can feel isolating, but the truth is — everyone goes through it. Every successful person you admire has been told “no” more times than you’ll ever know. They just didn’t let it define them.

When I started talking openly about my rejections, I found a community of people who were also struggling, striving, and persevering. Vulnerability turned out to be the key to connection.

Final Thoughts

Rejecting some . I won’t pretend it doesn’t. But now, I see it as part of the process — not the end of it.

Don't give up if you're getting rejected right now. Don’t shrink. Don’t assume it means you're not good enough. Most of the time, it just means you’re being prepared for something better.

One hundred rejections taught me that success isn’t about luck or talent. It’s about resilience.

And sometimes, the best things in life come right after you almost give up.