Why Being Told ‘No’ Means You’re Doing Creativity Right

I believe that everyone is an artist. We each have the ability to create things from the depths of our being, defining what it means to be human. Whether it's how we match our wardrobes or what we conjure up in the kitchen, we each have a unique spark of creativity that can be nurtured and shared. Creativity is a muscle and skill we can develop with time and practice.

Creativity is a deeply personal experience. I know that food tastes better when someone puts their own spin on it – well, usually. For cocktail lovers like myself who love to create recipes on the fly, we're pouring our souls into that cup. Creative endeavors stir up our uniqueness, which is the perfect combination that can lead to acceptance or rejection from outsiders once we share what we’ve birthed.

Through my experience in the performing arts industry and creative writing, I’ve learned that not every audience will “get” our vision. Not every person will even appreciate our work as art. Not every reader will connect with our words and musings about my cat. Not every person who witnesses our creative genius will see it as such. Whatever soul work we’re putting into the universe won't resonate with everyone, and as artists, we have to expect this. Someone, somewhere, may misunderstand or find what we've created to be trash that they wish to unsee for the rest of their days. As we bravely showcase our souls on canvas and page, we run the risk of our offer of creativity being rejected. Rejection especially stings when we’re pouring our hearts into our craft.

However, on the beautiful flip side, our creative endeavors and artwork will resonate with who it’s meant for. Whoever is supposed to read this and get something out of it will. Our creation will inspire who it is intended to. What we create will change the trajectory of the person’s life, as it should. Our art will stir up emotions and feelings that may surprise even ourselves. Even if our work isn’t for everyone, it’s for someone, maybe just ourselves. Someone, somewhere, will find our creative masterpiece to be the best piece of art they’ve ever witnessed. Another person may become an artist because we successfully navigated our own fears, imposter syndromes, and negative self-talk to put it out in the universe.

On the other side of sharing our creative work, we’re welcoming both acceptance and rejection. Everything we create, however, is an offer or an invitation. It’s imperative to remember that it’s the art –that offer or invitation – which is being accepted or rejected, not us personally. Even if it's something as intimate as our artwork, it's not who we are intrinsically being rejected or accepted. I recognize that it’s incredibly challenging to see the creative endeavors that we bravely and vulnerably share with the world as something separate from us. Still, we must realize that our art is being rejected or accepted and not us personally. The ability to separate the two is vital for sustaining a creative journey.

As a professional in the performing arts industry and now creating writing projects and other art from scratch, I knew rejection was something to expect. Rejection can feel like being placed in the middle row instead of the front row for dance recitals or seeing another dancer receive a solo that you felt should have been yours. Individuals in the creative industries likely experience more rejection than the average person. No, I don’t have stats to back it up. However, just based on the submissions and auditions, the sheer number of opportunities that these individuals have a chance of experiencing rejection for in comparison to, say, a teacher who works in a small town, and there are only two schools that she’s interested in working for, the creative is putting themselves out there more. They are most likely being told "No" a lot more than someone who doesn't have to put themselves in similar positions every day. Still, each “Yes” or “No” is simply part of the process.

Even when I read those LinkedIn posts about individuals who have submitted thousands of job applications but have yet to receive an offer, this occurrence is usually limited to a shorter amount of time. In contrast, creatives probably submit thousands of times every single year, facing rejection daily, weekly, and sometimes yearly. For us, the cycle never truly stops.

To my fellow creatives, I see you. You’re being vulnerable every time you share your art, knowing full well that rejection is a possibility, yet you persist. You keep creating and offering your art to the world, which takes incredible courage. As a creative, it’s not a choice; you have to create regardless if you receive rejection or acceptance for every offer and invitation you place on the line. Your resilience in the face of rejection is truly admirable.

Navigating rejection is not easy, but neither is creating and finding success in something that came from you. The fact that you get to create and put yourself out there repeatedly is a gift in itself. Creating is hard. Facing rejection is hard. But the fact that you keep creating is a testament to your strength. You were made to create, regardless of how many rejections pile up along the way. And for that, I thank you. The world needs more of what you have to offer.

Navigating the highs and lows of creativity can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you're ready to embrace your creative journey fully and want support in transforming rejection into fuel for your growth, I invite you to connect with me for a complimentary coaching session at Full Out Coaching. Together, we’ll uncover the tools to help you thrive, navigate rejection with grace, and tap into your unique brilliance.

Book your complimentary call today, and let's create the path to living and creating Full Out!

Stay creative, stay courageous, and keep offering your art to the world—it’s worth it.

Key Takeaways:

Creativity is an Offer – Whether it's a painting, a song, a story, or a meal, every creative act is an offer to the world. It's not you being accepted or rejected, but the offer.
Rejection is Part of the Journey – Rejection doesn't diminish your worth or talent. It’s a natural part of the creative process. Every "No" brings you closer to the "Yes" that matters.
Keep Creating – The act of creation itself is invaluable, even if no one else sees it that way. Don’t let rejection silence your voice or stop you from making your mark. Your creative process, your journey, is what truly matters.

Practical Steps:

Reframe Rejection – The next time you face rejection, take a moment to remind yourself it’s not a reflection of you. It’s simply the offer that wasn’t accepted.
Seek Feedback – Use rejection as a learning tool. If possible, ask for feedback and use it to improve your work. Constructive criticism can help you refine your craft and get better over time.
Celebrate Wins, Big or Small – Whether it’s finishing a piece of work, trying something new, or receiving positive feedback, celebrate your progress. Success is found in the process as much as the outcome.
Build a Support Network – Surround yourself with other creatives who understand the highs and lows of the journey. Share your experiences, lift each other up, and keep each other motivated.

https://www.taneshalmoody.com/

<!-- LinkedInContent: 🚫 Why Being Told ‘No’ Means You’re Doing Creativity Right 🚫

Not everyone will “get” your vision—and that’s okay. Creativity isn’t about pleasing everyone; it’s about creating boldly and authentically. 🎨

Here’s the truth: rejection is proof that you’re showing up, putting yourself out there, and staying true to your craft. It’s not failure—it’s feedback.

As someone who’s faced plenty of creative rejection (hello, middle-row dancer here 👋🏾), I’ve learned that every “no” is a step closer to the “yes” that matters.

In my latest blog, I dive into why rejection is a sign you’re doing creativity right:

💡 Your work isn’t for everyone, but it *is* for someone.

🔥 Rejection builds resilience—wear it like a badge of honor.

🎉 The act of creating is a win all on its own.

💬 What’s the boldest creative risk you’ve taken recently? Let’s celebrate it in the comments.

Feeling stuck in the rejection cycle? Let’s turn it into fuel. Book a complimentary coaching call and learn how to navigate rejection with confidence and clarity. 🔗

#Creativity #RejectionIsGrowth #LiveFullOut #FullOutCoaching #BoldCreativity #Resilience -->

Why Being Told ‘No’ Means You’re Doing Creativity Right