The Power of No

I am striving to hear "No" upwards of 100 times this year. Read on to find out why.

The online journal "Strategies of Influence" covers business guru Simon Sinek's "Big Idea" regarding how leaders can influence others in business. The article summarizes Sinek's idea: "Sinek argues that inspiration is more powerful and sustainable. Sinek proposes that people are inspired by a sense of purpose or “Why”. Why is at the center of the golden circle and that this should come first before communicating, “How” and “What”."

I am familiar with Sinek's work. I've listened to his most popular Ted Talk, watched many of his TikTok videos that center on segments of his Big Idea, and I have read the first part of his newest book, Find Your Why. One quotation from Simon stands out and has occupied my mind all week as I've considered why I write:

It's only recently that I've begun the journey to find a literary agent and be published. For decades, I have delighted in developing colorful characters and their flaws, in complex plots and relationships, and in the act of storytelling. My fulfillment truly has been "born of the journey," and I find validation in Simon's thinking. I am inspired to write, but not for any external reward, but rather for the fulfillment derived from my own journey.

I also find helpful many concepts in Simon's first best-seller, The Power of Why. If I were to write an apt title for my writing journey with this theme, it would be entitled, The Power of No. Each of the rejections I have received on my journey thus far has propelled me to sign up for several writers' workshops and become active in certain author communities. I am intentional about improving my understanding of literary publishing, of hooking readers at the beginning of my stories, and of the importance of destructive revision when needed.

Future blogs will no doubt describe exactly how the very many "No's" in my path become my inspiration and mechanisms for growth. One day -- and I know it will happen, "Yes's" will be added to my journey.