“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
– Albert Einstein
Almost 12 months ago to the day, my book The Inner CEO was launched into the world.
Looking back on the experience, I can tell you it wasn’t an easy journey—far from it.
It was a 5-year process filled with rejection, countless challenges, and unexpected obstacles at nearly every turn. At times, it felt like a constant uphill battle, and there were moments when I questioned whether I should continue pushing forward.
In this case—persistence paid off. But the book was one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever taken on.
Getting it out into the world was a satisfying accomplishment in itself, but when The Inner CEO reached #2 on the best-seller list, it was a dream come true. Particularly when I didn’t have the backing of a major publisher.
But what has meant the most to me over the past year hasn’t been the ranking or sales numbers. It’s the feedback from readers like you—the stories I’ve received about changes, big and small, that people have made in their lives and businesses as a result of reading the book.
Many of those stories have come from people who have faced their own versions of rejection and challenges—whether in their professional lives or in their personal journeys. I’ve found those stories incredibly inspiring and thank you to those who shared them with me.
Whether it’s the rejection you face when you’re trying to get a new idea off the ground, or the internal rejection we all battle with—the self-doubt, the “you’re not good enough” or “you’re past it” thoughts…
—the reality is that rejection is inevitable if you’re striving for something worthwhile.
But the key to turning rejection into a stepping stone is to not let it stop you. To see it as part of the journey to your destination.
Here are a few lessons that emerged for me from the journey of bringing The Inner CEO into the world:
1. Every ‘No’ Moves You Closer to a ‘Yes’
Every “No” can be viewed as a step forward, not a setback. In that way, the more “No’s” you get, the closer you are to success because you’re constantly learning and refining. When you’re met with rejection, rather than feeling defeated, reframe it as a part of the process that’s bringing you closer to the win.
2. Fear of Rejection is Your Biggest Roadblock
Many times on the journey of the book, I caught my inner voice being afraid of rejection. The game for me became not to go with it. It can be hard at times, but the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is often the willingness to endure more rejection.
3. Rejection Could Be Feedback But It’s Often Just An Opinion
When you get a “No,” it’s not a personal failure. There is sometimes useful information you can use but often it’s just someone’s opinion. With my previous book ‘Inspire Me’, a top publisher told me it ‘just won’t sell’. It ended up selling thousands of copies. The same thing happened with ‘The Inner CEO’. Sometimes you just have to back yourself. If I’d listened to everyone’s opinion I wouldn’t have done anything at all – just pulled the duvet cover over my head and gone back to sleep! 🙂
What about you?
I bet there’s something in your work and life you’d love to do or create. What if you gave yourself permission to really go for it? What if you decided to re-frame rejection into essential markers on the way to your destination?
What are you working on that’s worth pushing through for, even when the going gets tough?
Best,
Shane
PS – In my latest podcast episode out today, I share some of the behind the scenes stories about creating the book and going for the impossible. The podcast is on all major platforms or use the link below.
The Inner Edge Podcast – Most Recent Episode:
Ep 202: Taking On the Impossible: The Story of My Book’s Journey To Best-Seller
Listen on my website here or on all major podcasting platforms.
Up Your Game: Have you checked out my online academy? It has a range of products that will help you raise your game in all areas. More details here.