LESSON 34 · HOW TO DEAL WITH REJECTION

Celebrate Every Brave Invite

Thirty-two easy ways to celebrate every brave invite, because courage deserves a party whatever the answer.

Asking is the win. Celebrate the try.

29 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

29 tips that really help

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.

Photo for the tip: Redefine winning
TIP 1

Redefine winning

If success means only a yes, you feel good rarely. If success means asking bravely, you win every time.

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Change the scoreboard.
Photo for the tip: Count the invites
TIP 2

Count the invites

Keep a tally of invitations sent. The number is within your control.

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Start counting.
Photo for the tip: Set an invite target
TIP 3

Set an invite target

Aim for a number per month, like four. Targets turn courage into routine.

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Pick a number.
Photo for the tip: Mark each invite
TIP 4

Mark each invite

Tick a calendar or drop a coin in a jar. Visible marks feel rewarding.

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Make a chart.
Photo for the tip: Reward yourself at once
TIP 5

Reward yourself at once

A small treat right after inviting links bravery with pleasure.

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Plan treats.
Photo for the tip: Say well done
TIP 6

Say well done

Say it out loud or in your head. Self-praise builds confidence.

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Say it.
Photo for the tip: Share the news
TIP 7

Share the news

Tell a friend you invited someone. Shared joy is stronger.

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Message someone.
Photo for the tip: Reward bigger invites more
TIP 8

Reward bigger invites more

Scale the reward to the courage. A hard invite earns a bigger celebration.

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Create a scale.
Photo for the tip: Celebrate noes too
TIP 9

Celebrate noes too

When someone declines, say, one step closer to a yes. Reframe.

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Practise the line.
Photo for the tip: Review monthly totals
TIP 10

Review monthly totals

Read your tallies and notice growth. Numbers show courage.

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Add them up.
Photo for the tip: Raise the bar gradually
TIP 11

Raise the bar gradually

As invites get easier, aim a little higher. Growth lives at the edge.

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Stretch.
Photo for the tip: Encourage others
TIP 12

Encourage others

Cheer for friends when they invite. Culture spreads.

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Share the idea.
Photo for the tip: Script: celebrating
TIP 13

Script: celebrating

I invited someone today, and that took courage. Say it proudly.

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Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: counting
TIP 14

Script: counting

That was my fifth invite this month, a record. Say it cheerfully.

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Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: sharing
TIP 15

Script: sharing

I did something brave today, I asked someone to coffee. Say it warmly.

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Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: rewarding
TIP 16

Script: rewarding

I am treating myself because I tried. Say it kindly.

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Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: closing
TIP 17

Script: closing

Thanks for cheering me on, it really helps. Say it sincerely.

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Use it.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: celebrating only yeses
TIP 18

Mistake: celebrating only yeses

Then most days feel like failure, so celebrate attempts.

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Change the rule.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: skipping rewards
TIP 19

Mistake: skipping rewards

Without reward, habits fade, so treat yourself.

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Plan one.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: huge rewards for tiny invites
TIP 20

Mistake: huge rewards for tiny invites

Keep rewards in proportion, so be sensible.

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Balance.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: comparing counts
TIP 21

Mistake: comparing counts

Everyone starts differently, so compare with your past.

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Stay personal.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when you feel silly celebrating
TIP 22

Troubleshoot: when you feel silly celebrating

Silly is fine. Joy is serious fuel.

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Do it anyway.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when you have nobody to tell
TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when you have nobody to tell

Write it in a journal or post in a community. Your own acknowledgement counts.

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Write it.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when noes pile up
TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when noes pile up

Look at invite counts, not outcomes. Celebrate courage.

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Check totals.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when invites stall
TIP 25

Troubleshoot: when invites stall

Lower the bar to a tiny invite. Restart the streak.

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Invite small.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when you forget
TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when you forget

Add a reminder or link inviting to a weekly habit. Cues help.

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Set a reminder.
Photo for the tip: Drill: the invite jar
TIP 27

Drill: the invite jar

Put a coin in a jar for each invite. Count monthly.

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Begin.
Photo for the tip: Drill: celebration list
TIP 28

Drill: celebration list

List ten small rewards you enjoy. Use them.

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Write.
Photo for the tip: Drill: share a win
TIP 29

Drill: share a win

Tell one person about an invite today. Notice the smile.

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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.

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