Back in my Project Manager days, it was always important to check in on how things were going. To look at the “scope” of the project, make sure that we aren’t drifting away from the original purpose. Of the many things that I have brought into my coaching career, this is one thing that really stands out. As it’s now nearly six months into my “100 rejections challenge”, I thought it would be a great time to check in. And like most things in my business, I thought I would share it in in a blog. Here is my update on the 100 rejections challenge and another open invite for you to join me!

If you have NO idea what I am talking about, let me bring you up to speed.  On January 14^th, 2026, I shared this post:

“I’ve set myself a little challenge for 2026. To be rejected 100 times. That is an average of 8.33333333 a month, or twice a week. The one thing I know about myself is that I have a MASSIVE fear of failure and rejection (Thank you DISC Profile!). So, to others it may seem like I take risks, but I actually work quite hard to keep myself safe, well within my tolerance for stress!

But, how would it feel to flip the perspective and make the rejection the success? Taking a risk on something that feels like a stretch, and if they say no, I get to tick off a new experience. But, just imagine if they say yes!

Whilst this concept started in 2016, shared by Kim Liao, as a prompt for writers, it’s expanded over the years, and I’ve loved seeing how other people have interpreted it in the past. Now it’s my turn.”

For those that wanted to understand it a little more, I shared it in this blog (What is the 100 rejections challenge? How could it work for you?” and some, privately and publicly, shared they were going to give it a go too! So, this post is our accountability call-out! How is it going for you?

A mid-point check in on the 100 rejections challenge

It’s been an interesting six months so far, and to date I have twelve certified rejections. From new business pitches to challenging political figures, I have reached a point where I’m happy to get my green highlighter out!  I asked for what I wanted and was comfortable when the answer was a “no”.

I have also had 10 ayes, requests or proposals that were outside of my comfort zone. I prepared for a no and received a resounding OK.  This has led to me travelling on my own (for leisure at the grand old age of 46 years, 11 months), expanded my book reviewing reach, and had (what felt like) a VIP experience for a family’s birthday meal!

Finally, I have five requests that are in limbo; until I get an answer, they can fall either way. But the need for completion is overriding any discomfort in being proactive with communication,

I certainly feel my rejection muscle growing, but there are still some core things that I haven’t even attempted. I started this process with a “to-do” list including applying for awards and developing some PR for my book, but my ego just won’t quite get there yet!

All it takes is some quick maths to see that in the past six months, I’m averaging 4.5 “asks” a month, with only 2 rejections! So, I need to add to that list to have any chance of succeeding in reaching my 100!  What I have noticed, however, is that the day-to-day actions in my business that would usually feel risky have suddenly become easier. What would once sting just passes over me as a simple endpoint. They just never make it on the tracking sheet.

Even more striking is the result in my personal life. Even someone as straight-talking as me can sometimes skirt around a topic, due to fear of rejection. This experiment is helping me become more resilient, and in turn, I’m asking for things more directly and unambiguously, what I need for both myself and those around me.

What about the final six months of the challenge?

So, what about the next six months? I’ll be working on adding to my list and committing to the things that currently make me feel a little nauseous with nerves. And today, I’m going to start as I mean to go on and add this blog to #40 on my list.

I’m going to ask you to share this article with one person who you think would like to join me on their rejection challenge. There is no email sign-up, no checklist; just a community that is working on its rejection resilience in 2026!

Every time I see that “share” button light up, I know that it’s happened.

But, if you don’t, I’ll cope, and have something else to tick off as rejection

And do you know what? Either way, it’s a win!

 

 

 

I’m Clara Wilcox, the affordable coach who helps parents enjoy their careers again. Return to work, career & redundancy coaching for individuals, freelancers, businesses and parents & carer groups. Book a call to talk about coaching or career wellbeing workshops.