Rejection is on my mind today. Yes, it’s because I got rejected for something I actually wanted. But there’s also a deeper reason: Somewhere along my creative journey, I learned to minimize rejection by playing-it-safe, making my dreams small, and maximizing my chameleon tendencies. Recently, Shae Omonijo shared a short video on Substack about her plan for 2026: “Collect 1K rejections.” A lot ran through my mind after seeing the video, “1,000 rejections? One hurt enough! Are you a glutton for punishment?” I think my brain short-circuited when I watched it, but it didn’t take long for the truth to be revealed: I’m a chicken and I’m tired of being scared. If you are someone who has big dreams, but shove them aside because you have an unhealthy relationship with rejection, then this episode’s for you. Oh, and don’t worry, I’m preaching to the choir here because this is the work I need to do for myself as well.

1. Know what you actually want.
2. Adopt a rejection mindset.
3. Stop waiting and start moving.
4. Dream bigger and share often.
5. Allow yourself to change.
6. Learn to separate rejection from failure.
7. Become an advocate for yourself, your wants, and needs.

• Shae O. – “Collect 1K Rejections” video
• Finding Mastery
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.
• Episode photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash