The Yes You Don’t See Coming (and Why You’re Probably Closer Than You Think)

How often are you told “no” in your life—and actually feel it?

As a longtime broadcast journalist, I’ve heard “no” more times than I can count—and I’ve felt every one of them. If you’re anything like most people, you don’t hear it once—you hear it over and over again. At some point, it makes you wonder if you should stop asking altogether.

In job searches, hiring managers say “no” to applications. In sales, clients say “no. ” In dating, people say “no.”

As a career correspondent, I spend a lot of time approaching complete strangers, asking if I can interview them on camera. Most walk right past me—no eye contact, no pause, just a quick “no.”

But then someone says “yes.”

And that’s all it takes.

Every time, it turns into a great conversation with someone thoughtful, insightful, and unexpectedly generous with their job story.

Here’s what I’ve learned: You have to get through a few “no’s” to get to that “yes.”

On the streets, I’ve also learned: Most “no’s” have nothing to do with you.

Opportunities don’t exist unless you actually ask. And the people who say “yes” make it all worth it.

So say “yes” to not giving up.

Say “yes” to keep asking.

Say “yes” —even when you don’t feel like it.

Because behind every “yes” are all the “no’s” you had to hear first.