Mindset Matters: Why Every Ask Risks a Yes
In the world of business, sales, and even everyday conversations, we’ve all heard the saying: “You have to get a certain number of nos before you get to a yes.”
It’s a phrase meant to encourage persistence. A reminder that rejection is part of the journey. And while that’s true, the focus on “no” can sometimes weigh us down. It keeps our eyes on the wrong part of the equation.
That’s why I love how Lois Creamer puts it:
👉 “You risk a yes every time you ask.”
Read that again.
Instead of bracing ourselves for rejection, what if we reframed the mindset? What if every time we picked up the phone, sent an email, or walked into a meeting, we reminded ourselves that this could be the time a door swings wide open?
The Power of the Reframe
The word “no” has power because we give it power. We build stories around it:
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“They didn’t like me.”
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“I must not be good enough.”
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“I’ll never get ahead.”
However, the truth is that ‘no’ is just feedback. It’s information. It’s a stepping stone. And more importantly, it’s not the end of the conversation.
By shifting our mindset to “I risk a yes every time I ask,” we begin to approach opportunities with curiosity, hope, and courage. The fear of rejection shrinks, and the possibility of success expands.
Why This Matters in Business and Life
Whether you’re a realtor asking for a referral, an entrepreneur pitching a product, or a leader inviting buy-in from your team, your mindset changes the outcome.
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If you expect rejection, you carry hesitation into the ask.
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If you expect a yes, even knowing it may not come, you radiate confidence, clarity, and conviction.
And people respond to that energy.
Practical Ways to Apply This Mindset
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Flip Your Self-Talk
Instead of saying, “They’ll probably say no,” start with, “This could be my yes.” -
Detach from the Outcome
Every ask is valuable, whether it’s a yes or a no, because it keeps you moving forward. -
Celebrate the Ask
Success isn’t just the yes—it’s the courage to ask in the first place. -
Track Your Wins
Keep a list of every yes you’ve received. On tough days, look back and remind yourself what’s possible.
The Takeaway
Mindset is everything.
You can choose to focus on how many nos you’ve collected—or you can lean into the possibility that your next ask could be the breakthrough.
Because Lois Creamer is right: Every time you ask, you risk a yes.
So go ahead, ask BOLDLY. Risk the yes.
Karen Fox is a high-energy, experiential speaker and business strategist who helps leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs turn connection into results. Her talks on leadership, communication, and creating RQ Impact™ are packed with laughs, insights, and actionable takeaways, and are perfect for conferences, masterminds, and corporate events. Karen THE Connector
