Rejection Isn’t the End—It’s a Redirection
“Happiness often sneaks in a door you did not think was open.”
Learning to Stay Positive When the Answer is “No”
If you’ve ever chased a dream, poured your heart into something, or put yourself out there only to hear “no,” then you know how rejection can sting. Especially as an entrepreneur, it’s easy to say “don’t take it personally,” but let’s be real—sometimes it’s hard not to. You care deeply. You want to help. And when it doesn’t work out, that sting can sit with you longer than you’d like to admit.
But I’ve learned something over the years—through experience, through incredible books, and through the wisdom of people like Steve Harvey, John Assaraf, James Clear, Dr. Phil, Les Hewitt, and Chip Gaines: rejection isn’t always about you. More often than not, it’s not about failure—it’s about timing. It’s about redirection. And most importantly—it’s about growth.
Breathe Through It and Move On
I’ve learned to breathe right through those moments and keep it all in perspective. Sometimes that “no” we hear isn’t really a no—it’s a “not yet,” or “not this one.” And that’s okay.
“When God closes a door… keep on walking up the hall because he’s likely opening a better one.” — Steve Harvey
That line has stuck with me. Sometimes it’s not about the door that shut—it’s about the one waiting just a little further down the hall. And you won’t find it if you sit and sulk at the one that didn’t open.
Reframe Rejection
John Assaraf talks about how what we see as rejection might actually be a redirection. He encourages us to reinterpret closed doors as opportunities to pivot:
“Happiness often sneaks in a door you did not think was open.”
What a beautiful reminder that success might show up from a path you never expected. Don’t get so stuck on the door that closed that you miss the one that’s cracked open just around the corner.
Take Action—Even When It’s Uncomfortable
James Clear puts it perfectly in Atomic Habits:
“Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become.”
That one hit me hard. If I want to be resilient, successful, confident—I have to keep showing up as that person, even when things don’t go as planned.
And then there’s Dr. Phil, who doesn’t sugarcoat anything (which I love). In No Excuses, Just Results, he says:
“Life rewards action, not excuses.”
You can’t wish your way into success. If the strategy isn’t working, don’t change the goal—change the approach.
Get Resourceful
Les Hewitt brings a practical twist to facing setbacks:
“One person sees a closed door and gets stuck. A resourceful person notices the handle to turn, the keyhole to unlock...”
Sometimes we forget we have the tools—we just haven’t tried the right combination yet. Keep turning that handle.
Trust in Bigger Plans
Chip Gaines reminds us that faith plays a huge role in this journey:
“Even locked doors can be unlocked in time… I simply never could have imagined just how much God had in store for us.”
When you’re in the middle of the wait, it’s easy to feel stuck. But what if you knew the delay was actually a setup for something even greater? Sometimes, the door is locked because you’re not meant to walk through it yet.
Final Thoughts: Keep Walking
So if you’re feeling discouraged—if you’ve faced another “no,” lost a client, missed out on an opportunity—take heart.
Rejection isn’t a full stop. It’s a pause. A pivot. A divine delay. Stay focused. Stay faithful. And above all—keep walking.
“The hallway has more doors. One of them has your name on it.”
Author: Helena (Lena) Erman
Wealth Advisor
Jacobi Capital Management, LLC
