Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

Last updated: Aug 30, 2023

Summary of Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz is a motivational and self-help book that aims to change the reader's perspective on failure and rejection. The authors argue that in order to achieve success, one must embrace and seek out rejection rather than avoiding it.

The book follows the story of Eric, a fictional character who is struggling with his sales career. Eric meets a successful salesman named Ray, who introduces him to the concept of "going for no." Ray explains that most people are conditioned to fear rejection and avoid it at all costs. However, he believes that the key to success lies in embracing rejection and using it as a stepping stone towards achieving one's goals.

The authors emphasize that failure and rejection are inevitable parts of life, and that successful people are those who are willing to face rejection head-on. They argue that every "no" brings you closer to a "yes," and that by actively seeking out rejection, you increase your chances of success. They encourage readers to set ambitious goals and to keep pushing forward, even in the face of rejection.

The book provides practical strategies and techniques for overcoming the fear of rejection and developing a mindset that embraces failure. It emphasizes the importance of persistence, resilience, and a positive attitude. The authors also stress the importance of learning from rejection and using it as a tool for personal and professional growth.

Throughout the book, the authors share real-life examples and success stories from various industries to illustrate their points. They also provide exercises and action steps for readers to implement in their own lives to help them overcome their fear of rejection and start "going for no."

In conclusion, Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There is a comprehensive guide to changing one's mindset towards failure and rejection. It encourages readers to embrace rejection, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone towards success. The book provides practical strategies and techniques for overcoming the fear of rejection and developing a mindset of persistence and resilience.

1. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success

In "Go for No!", the authors emphasize the importance of embracing failure and rejection as a necessary part of the journey towards success. They argue that failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a valuable learning experience that can propel us forward. By reframing our perspective on failure, we can overcome the fear of rejection and become more resilient in the face of setbacks.

The authors encourage readers to actively seek out rejection and view it as a numbers game. The more rejections we receive, the closer we are to achieving our goals. By adopting this mindset, we can develop a greater tolerance for failure and become more persistent in our pursuits. Ultimately, the book teaches us that success is not determined by the number of "yes" responses we receive, but rather by our ability to persevere in the face of countless "no" responses.

2. Shift Your Focus from Outcomes to Actions

One of the key takeaways from "Go for No!" is the importance of shifting our focus from outcomes to actions. The authors argue that instead of fixating on the end result, we should concentrate on the actions we take to get there. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, we can detach ourselves from the fear of failure and rejection.

The book suggests that by setting specific goals for the number of rejections we aim to receive, we can shift our mindset and become more proactive in our pursuits. By focusing on the actions we need to take, we can break down our goals into smaller, manageable steps. This approach not only increases our chances of success but also allows us to measure our progress and make adjustments along the way.

3. Embrace a Growth Mindset

"Go for No!" emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset, which is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. The authors argue that by embracing a growth mindset, we can overcome the fear of failure and rejection.

The book encourages readers to view failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. Instead of seeing rejection as a reflection of our worth or abilities, we should see it as a chance to improve and develop new skills. By cultivating a growth mindset, we can become more resilient, adaptable, and open to new opportunities.

4. Learn to Overcome the Fear of Rejection

"Go for No!" provides practical strategies for overcoming the fear of rejection. The authors suggest that by reframing our perspective on rejection, we can reduce its power over us. They argue that rejection is not personal and should not be taken as a reflection of our worth or abilities.

The book encourages readers to detach themselves from the outcome and focus on the process instead. By viewing rejection as a numbers game, we can increase our tolerance for failure and become more persistent in our pursuits. The authors also emphasize the importance of desensitizing ourselves to rejection by seeking it out intentionally. By actively seeking rejection, we can become more comfortable with it and develop a greater resilience to setbacks.

5. Set Bold Goals and Take Massive Action

"Go for No!" emphasizes the importance of setting bold goals and taking massive action to achieve them. The authors argue that by setting ambitious targets, we can push ourselves beyond our comfort zones and increase our chances of success.

The book encourages readers to set specific goals for the number of rejections they aim to receive. By setting these goals, we can challenge ourselves to take more action and increase our chances of achieving our desired outcomes. The authors also emphasize the importance of taking massive action, which means consistently taking steps towards our goals, even in the face of failure and rejection.

6. Develop a Resilient Mindset

"Go for No!" teaches readers the importance of developing a resilient mindset. The authors argue that resilience is a key trait that separates successful individuals from those who give up easily.

The book suggests that by reframing our perspective on failure and rejection, we can become more resilient. Instead of viewing setbacks as permanent, we should see them as temporary and learn from them. By developing a resilient mindset, we can bounce back from failure and rejection more quickly and continue moving towards our goals.

7. Embrace the Power of Persistence

"Go for No!" emphasizes the power of persistence in achieving success. The authors argue that persistence is a key factor in overcoming failure and rejection.

The book encourages readers to keep going even when faced with countless "no" responses. By persisting in our pursuits, we increase our chances of eventually receiving a "yes". The authors also suggest that by viewing rejection as a numbers game, we can reframe our perspective and become more persistent in our actions.

8. Celebrate Failure and Learn from It

"Go for No!" encourages readers to celebrate failure and learn from it. The authors argue that failure is not something to be ashamed of, but rather a valuable learning experience.

The book suggests that by reframing our perspective on failure, we can reduce the fear and stigma associated with it. Instead of seeing failure as a negative outcome, we should view it as a stepping stone to success. By celebrating failure and learning from it, we can grow and improve, ultimately increasing our chances of achieving our goals.