Collecting Rejections Like Pokémon Cards: Mantras for Growth

Tanesha Moody
Jun 18
4 min read

Collecting Rejections Like Pokémon Cards: Mantras for Growth

Navigating Rejection - Full Out Coaching - Tanesha L. Moody

Rejection has a way of shaking us to our core, doesn’t it? One moment, we’re confident and self-assured; the next, we’re grappling with feelings of inadequacy because someone said,

“No thanks.” It’s a universal experience, and let’s be honest—it’s never fun. But what if we had the tools to navigate those moments? What if we could anchor ourselves with mantras that remind us of our worth and keep us moving forward? That’s where mantras shine.

Mantras are more than just catchy phrases; they’re tools to anchor you during rejection, reminding you of your worth and ability to keep moving forward. They’re like your rejection emergency kit—always there when you need them most. They help us reframe rejection, stay grounded, and tap into our resilience.

Look, rejection has knocked us all off our feet. I’ve developed a few go-to mantras over the years. They’ve saved me from curling up into a ball of self-doubt more times than I can count. But before we dive into my favorites, let’s talk about why mantras matter.

Everyone experiences rejection differently, including the emotions it stirs up—sadness, disappointment, frustration, or even anger. In those moments, it’s easy to spiral into negative self-talk, questioning your value or the quality of your offer.

Mantras serve as a counterbalance. They remind us that rejection isn’t the end and certainly doesn’t reflect our worth. A good mantra shifts your mindset, offering perspective and emotional clarity when you need it most.

My Go-To Rejection Mantras

1. “Every ‘no’ brings me closer to a ‘yes.’”

This mantra is a lifesaver. Each rejection isn’t a dead end; it’s just one step closer to finding the right fit. Rejection is inevitable, but so is acceptance.

Think about it: rejection from a publisher might feel like a roadblock, but it could lead you to self-publish and reach an audience on your own terms. Rejection is just part of the process, not the final destination. This mantra keeps the focus on persistence and possibility rather than despair. Eventually, we have to hear a “Yes.”

2. “Another one. Thank you.”

Borrowing DJ Khaled’s energy (minus the yachts), this mantra is a reminder to collect rejections like Pokémon cards. Each one builds resilience and teaches a lesson.

It’s a numbers game, y’all. Whether it’s job applications, creative pitches, or dating, the more we put ourselves out there, the more rejections we’ll face—but also, the better we’ll get at navigating rejection experiences. This mantra flips the script: instead of fearing rejection, you start seeing it as a stepping stone to growth.

3. “The rejection was of my offer, not myself.”

This one’s personal. As someone who used to take rejection to heart (and still does sometimes!), this mantra saved me from spiraling.

Rejection isn’t a judgment of our worth. It’s a decision about our offer—our work, our idea, our invitation—not us as individuals. It’s so easy to conflate rejection with our identity, but they’re different.

When I remember that someone’s “No” is to the offer I made, not me personally, I can step back and pinpoint what was being rejected. Was it my creative proposal? My pitch? My suggestion for pizza night? Separating myself from the offer clarifies and protects my sense of self-worth.

Crafting Your Own Mantras

These are my favorites, but everyone’s journey is unique. Your mantras should reflect your experiences and what you need to hear in those challenging moments.

Here’s how to create your own:

Reflect: Think about your past rejection experiences. What phrases or ideas would have helped you in those moments?
Personalize: Choose phrases that resonate with you. Make them simple but powerful.
Commit: Write them down, say them aloud, and keep them handy when rejection strikes.

Picture this: You’ve just poured your heart into a pitch, and the response is a polite but firm “no.” It’s tempting to take it personally, to wonder if you’re good enough, smart enough, or creative enough.

But instead of spiraling, you take a deep breath and recall your mantra:

“The rejection was of the offer, not of me.”

Suddenly, the rejection doesn’t feel like a failure or as personal. It’s not about our value or abilities; it’s about the fit of the idea. It feels like part of the journey. You’re not stuck; you’re moving forward.

Rejection is messy, uncomfortable, and inevitable. But it’s also a universal experience that connects us all. Mantras help us navigate those moments, offering a lifeline when we need it most.

They don’t erase the sting of rejection, but they give us a way to process it, to separate ourselves from the offer, and to find the lesson hidden in the “no.”

So, the next time rejection comes knocking, be ready. Have your mantras ready, and remind yourself rejection isn’t the end. It’s just a moment you’re strong enough to handle.

What’s your go-to mantra for navigating rejection? Share it in the comments—I’m always looking to add to my collection. 😊

Collecting Rejections Like Pokémon Cards: Mantras for Growth

https://www.taneshalmoody.com/coaching

<!-- LinkedInContent: ✨ Collecting Rejections Like Pokémon Cards: Mantras for Growth ✨

Rejection isn’t fun, but it’s inevitable—and it doesn’t define you. 💡 That’s where mantras come in. They anchor us, shift our perspective, and remind us that rejection is just a step in the journey.

In my latest blog, I share my top 3 rejection mantras, including:

1️⃣ “Every ‘no’ brings me closer to a ‘yes.’”

2️⃣ “Another one. Thank you.”

3️⃣ “The rejection was of my offer, not myself.”

💬 What’s your go-to mantra for navigating rejection? Share it below—I’m always adding to my collection!

Read the full blog below. 🔗

#RejectionIsGrowth #LiveFullOut #FullOutCoaching #CoachingandMentoring #Resilience #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth -->