The Strength in Never Giving Up

I kept a folder on my computer titled "Rejections."

By the time I finally got my yes, that folder contained 127 emails. Each one a variation of "We regret to inform you..." or "Unfortunately, we've decided to move forward with other candidates."

127 times, someone told me no. 127 times, I had to decide: keep going or give up.

On rejection number 128, something different happened.

But first, let me tell you about rejection number 89—the one that almost broke me.

The Day I Almost Quit

Rejection 89 came after a final-round interview for my dream job.

I'd made it through three rounds. Met the team. Presented my ideas. Felt the click of connection. I was certain this was it.

The rejection email arrived on a Friday afternoon: "You were our second choice."

I closed my laptop, crawled into bed at 3 p.m., and didn't move until Sunday.

My best friend called. "Maybe it's time to consider something else," she said gently. "You've been at this for two years."

She was trying to help. But hearing someone else voice the doubt I'd been fighting made it real.

Maybe I wasn't good enough. Maybe everyone else was right. Maybe it was time to give up.

The Choice I Made Instead

Sunday night, I made a list of every reason to quit.

It was long. Logical. Convincing. Any rational person would've walked away.

Then I made a different list: reasons to try one more time.

It was shorter. Just one reason, really: Because I'll regret it forever if I don't.

That was enough.

Monday morning, I applied to job number 90. Then 91. Then 92.

Not because I was confident. Because I refused to let fear make my decisions.

What Kept Me Going

Between rejections 89 and 128, something shifted.

I stopped taking rejection personally. Each "no" wasn't a judgment of my worth—it was just information. Wrong fit. Wrong timing. Wrong role.

I started treating applications like experiments. What could I learn? What could I improve? How could I get better with each attempt?

I built a support system of people who believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself.

I stopped waiting to feel confident before trying. I tried, and let the trying build confidence.

The Yes That Changed Everything

Rejection number 128 never came.

Instead, I got an email that started with: "We're excited to offer you the position."

I read it three times before it felt real.

The job? Better than the one from rejection 89. The team? Perfect fit. The role? Exactly what I'd been working toward.

If I'd quit at rejection 89—or 100, or 120—I would've missed it.

The breakthrough was always just one more try away.

The Truth About Never Giving Up

Here's what those 127 rejections taught me:

Persistence isn't about being fearless. It's about trying anyway, despite the fear.

Success isn't guaranteed by effort. But quitting guarantees failure.

The people who succeed aren't necessarily more talented. They just refused to stop trying.

Your Number Is Waiting

Maybe you're at your own rejection number 89 right now. Or 23. Or 150.

Maybe you're exhausted. Maybe everyone's telling you to quit. Maybe you're wondering if they're right.

I can't promise your next attempt will be the one. But I can promise this:

You only lose when you stop trying.

Every no brings you closer to yes. Every rejection teaches you something. Every attempt builds resilience you'll need for the success waiting on the other side.

Don't quit at rejection 89 when your yes is waiting at 128.

The strength in never giving up isn't stubbornness. It's faith in your future self.

Try one more time.

Then one more after that.

Your breakthrough is closer than you think.

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Thank you for reading...

Regards: Fazal Hadi