Every No Gets You Closer To A Yes

February 15, 2019

No. 

When we hear someone tell us “no” it can be a bit discouraging. For most of us, this word has been a negative word since we were babies and as we grew the no turned into disappointment. At a recent “Wear Your Crown: Walking Into Queendom” seminar, hosted by Big Beautiful Woman (BBW) Delaware Pageant, Councilwoman At-Large Rysheema Dixon shared with a group of attendees how she has been able to mentally reframe every no she’s received in her life to a positive outlook on her quest to fulfill her purpose as a leader in our community. 

“When I decided to run for City Council, the first meeting I had was a disappointment to me. I’ve gotten statements like I’m young if I don’t get it this time I’ll be able to get it next time. I may not know as much right now, or I’m not loud and outspoken enough. But, I literally had to say to myself that I’m ready to run regardless of someone telling me that I am not ready to run, regardless of what someone says or does,” she stated. Councilwoman At-Large Dixon also shared how often times we can get frustrated by things not happening on our timetable.  Rather than seeing each “no” as a delay holding back our success, she encouraged attendees to see each “no” as one step closer to our goals.

“As a Councilmember, we are on a part-time salary. I’ve looked for jobs but received three no’s. I thought to myself, I must not be supposed to be working, because how do I get shut down by three jobs?” she added, “But, once I got that third no, AARP was that next knock on the door. It was at that moment, after receiving three no’s, I understood that I was supposed to be staying right here working my own business, versus trying to find and work a full-time job. I learned from those three no’s that there was no way if I had a full-time job that I would have the flexibility to be the kind of Councilwoman I am today.” 

Councilwoman At-Large Dixon also reminded attendees at the seminar that great strength and character are developed while continuing on after hearing “no” so often. It’s a test of courage and faith to press on during setbacks, delays, disappointments, and doubt, but to press on is a must! The reward is found on the other side of your ordeal. Anyone who doesn’t handle rejection well or learn to use it as ammunition for their next initiative will surely lose out on some of their most profound life lessons. She also shared that winners are the ones who keep getting back up when someone tries to hold them down.

 

“When I was running for Council, it was very hard because people tried to intimidate me or tell me that I’m not ready, or that I don’t have enough educational background and that I don’t know Wilmington enough, or that I don’t know the State of Delaware enough. Sometimes we can be our own worse critics. I would think to myself, maybe I don’t know enough, maybe I didn’t get into this for the right reasons. I started to question everything, and I challenged myself when people around me were telling me something different. But, after I won the race for City Council At-Large, I knew that I [and those working with me on my campaign] could do whatever we want to do in life, we just have to make the decision and push forward. Be confident in yourself and your abilities to do what it is you want to do.” Councilwoman At-Large Dixon shared.

The key to staying encouraged and not losing your enthusiasm is to remember that every no gets you closer to the next yes. The YES is what we all want, but it will come when we stay persistent and don’t lose our passion. To hear more stories on how other women are WEARING THEIR CROWN in our society, attend one of the upcoming seminars. These women will be sharing real-life lessons, experiences, businesses, best practices and more to encourage women and young girls into their purpose. Check out the complete list below and attend one of the seminars for an opportunity to connect and collaborate with these phenomenal women.

WEAR YOUR CROWN SERIES

Location: Academy For Peace, 203 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Time: Held EVERY Tuesday from 6 pm to 9 pm.

List of speakers are as follows:

Connie Drummond, February 19th

Angelina Blackman, February 26th

Charmaine West, March 5th

Tiffiny Henderson, March 12th

Andrea Blassingame, March 19th

Diamonds and Pearls with Karen Montgomery, March 26th

Meah El, April 2nd

Lisa Hanson, April 9th

Nikki Robins-Thompson, April 16th

Aisha Malloy, April 23rd

Isabel Bradley, April 30th

Precious White-Alberts, May 7th

Kim Burdick May 14th

Laura Mazurek, May 21st

Dr. Jay Macklin, May 28th

By: Yesenia Taveras