These ideas come from Rejection Proof (Jia Jiang), Attached (Amir Levine and Rachel Heller), Daring Greatly (Brené Brown), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
TIP 1
Redefine winning
If success means only a yes, you feel good rarely. If success means asking bravely, you win every time.
TRY THIS Change the scoreboard.
TIP 2
Count the invites
Keep a tally of invitations sent. The number is within your control.
TRY THIS Start counting.
TIP 3
Set an invite target
Aim for a number per month, like four. Targets turn courage into routine.
TRY THIS Pick a number.
TIP 4
Mark each invite
Tick a calendar or drop a coin in a jar. Visible marks feel rewarding.
TRY THIS Make a chart.
TIP 5
Reward yourself at once
A small treat right after inviting links bravery with pleasure.
TRY THIS Plan treats.
TIP 6
Say well done
Say it out loud or in your head. Self-praise builds confidence.
TRY THIS Say it.
TIP 7
Share the news
Tell a friend you invited someone. Shared joy is stronger.
TRY THIS Message someone.
TIP 8
Reward bigger invites more
Scale the reward to the courage. A hard invite earns a bigger celebration.
TRY THIS Create a scale.
TIP 9
Celebrate noes too
When someone declines, say, one step closer to a yes. Reframe.
TRY THIS Practise the line.
TIP 10
Review monthly totals
Read your tallies and notice growth. Numbers show courage.
TRY THIS Add them up.
TIP 11
Raise the bar gradually
As invites get easier, aim a little higher. Growth lives at the edge.
TRY THIS Stretch.
TIP 12
Encourage others
Cheer for friends when they invite. Culture spreads.
TRY THIS Share the idea.
TIP 13
Script: celebrating
I invited someone today, and that took courage. Say it proudly.
TRY THIS Use it.
TIP 14
Script: counting
That was my fifth invite this month, a record. Say it cheerfully.
TRY THIS Use it.
TIP 15
Script: sharing
I did something brave today, I asked someone to coffee. Say it warmly.
TRY THIS Use it.
TIP 16
Script: rewarding
I am treating myself because I tried. Say it kindly.
TRY THIS Use it.
TIP 17
Script: closing
Thanks for cheering me on, it really helps. Say it sincerely.
TRY THIS Use it.
TIP 18
Mistake: celebrating only yeses
Then most days feel like failure, so celebrate attempts.
TRY THIS Change the rule.
TIP 19
Mistake: skipping rewards
Without reward, habits fade, so treat yourself.
TRY THIS Plan one.
TIP 20
Mistake: huge rewards for tiny invites
Keep rewards in proportion, so be sensible.
TRY THIS Balance.
TIP 21
Mistake: comparing counts
Everyone starts differently, so compare with your past.
TRY THIS Stay personal.
TIP 22
Troubleshoot: when you feel silly celebrating
Silly is fine. Joy is serious fuel.
TRY THIS Do it anyway.
TIP 23
Troubleshoot: when you have nobody to tell
Write it in a journal or post in a community. Your own acknowledgement counts.
TRY THIS Write it.
TIP 24
Troubleshoot: when noes pile up
Look at invite counts, not outcomes. Celebrate courage.
TRY THIS Check totals.
TIP 25
Troubleshoot: when invites stall
Lower the bar to a tiny invite. Restart the streak.
TRY THIS Invite small.
TIP 26
Troubleshoot: when you forget
Add a reminder or link inviting to a weekly habit. Cues help.
TRY THIS Set a reminder.
TIP 27
Drill: the invite jar
Put a coin in a jar for each invite. Count monthly.
TRY THIS Begin.
TIP 28
Drill: celebration list
List ten small rewards you enjoy. Use them.
TRY THIS Write.
TIP 29
Drill: share a win
Tell one person about an invite today. Notice the smile.
TRY THIS Do it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
CELEBRATE
“I asked, and that took courage.”
COUNT
“That was my fifth invite this month.”
SHARE
“I did something brave today.”
REWARD
“I am treating myself.”
THANK
“Thanks for cheering me on.”
CLOSE
“I am proud of me.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
DAY 1 Define a win
DAY 2 Count your invites
DAY 3 Mark each one
DAY 4 Reward yourself
DAY 5 Share the news
DAY 6 Review monthly
DAY 7 Raise the bar
Further reading
Rejection Proof (Jia Jiang)
Attached (Amir Levine and Rachel Heller)
Daring Greatly (Brené Brown)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.