🐸👑 I Don’t Take NO for an Answer – The Power of Determination
A Lesson in Determination from Brian Tracy, The Wolf of Wall Street, and My Own Experiences
Have you ever heard the word NO and felt like it was the end of the conversation?
In the movie The Wolf of Wall Street, Leonardo DiCaprio, playing Jordan Belfort, famously says: “I don’t take NO for an answer.”
This line has become a symbol of determination, confidence, and belief in success—even when the odds seem stacked against you.
The inspiration for this article comes not only from this movie but also from the years I spent learning from Brian Tracy, with whom I co-authored the book “Successful Mindset: The Key to Achieving Your Goals.”
Brian Tracy has taught me that success is often the result of consistent effort, resilience in the face of rejection, and the ability to learn from every failure. In this article, I’ll share a few stories that highlight how determination—both my own and that of others—can help achieve goals, even when the situation initially seems hopeless.
Determination – Lessons from Brian Tracy and The Wolf of Wall Street
Brian Tracy has always emphasized that success starts with mindset.
“Never give up—success is reserved for those who are willing to try one more time.” – Brian Tracy
The same approach can be seen in The Wolf of Wall Street. Jordan Belfort, played by DiCaprio, doesn’t give up after the first rejection. His mindset demonstrates that what separates successful people from those who quit isn’t talent but perseverance and the willingness to keep pushing forward despite obstacles.
My Experiences – Learning Determination in Practice
One of my favorite examples of determination is a story about my daughter, Alexandra, who showed me that no matter your age, success requires perseverance.
When Alexandra was 5 years old, she decided to learn how to ride a bike. It wasn’t easy at first—after a few failed attempts, frustration, impatience, and doubt set in.
That’s when I told her: “Winners never give up.”
At first, she wasn’t convinced, but she gave it another shot. And another. Until suddenly, to my amazement, she took off—steady and confident, without any help. Her joy was contagious, and I was incredibly proud—not just because she learned to ride but because she overcame her doubts.
The Golf Lesson – When the Roles Reversed
A few years later, the roles reversed.
I decided to learn how to play golf. It sounded like a great idea at first, but soon frustration set in. After multiple failed attempts, I wanted to give up. I was already planning to sit with a book at the café while Alexandra continued her training with her coach.
Then she walked up to me and said with a smile: “Mom, winners never give up!”
Her words hit me hard. How could I give up after everything I had taught her? I picked up the golf club and tried again.
That moment reminded me that whether it’s sports, business, or personal growth, determination and persistence always pay off.
What Do Jordan Belfort and Olympic Athletes Have in Common?
Just like Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street, Olympic athletes know that success doesn’t come easy.
These athletes train for months and even years, repeating the same moves, refining their strategies, and pushing their limits. They face failures, defeats, and moments of doubt—but they don’t give up. They keep going with determination until they finally reach their goals.
It’s this mindset—the willingness to keep trying despite setbacks—that separates champions from everyone else.
How to Turn NO into YES – Practical Tips
Change Your Perspective. Treat rejection not as the end but as the beginning of a new opportunity.
- Understand the Other Person’s Needs. Sometimes a NO happens because the value of your proposal isn’t clear. Take time to demonstrate its benefits.
- Create a Plan. Instead of getting discouraged, develop a new strategy and keep pushing forward.
- Learn from Failures. Every NO gives you feedback. Use it to improve and refine your approach.
Conclusion – NO is Just the Beginning
Everyone who has ever succeeded—from Jordan Belfort to Olympic medalists—knows that the road to the top is rarely easy. It’s full of obstacles, detours, and moments of doubt.
In my book “Successful Mindset: The Key to Achieving Your Goals”, co-authored with Brian Tracy, we explore how to build a mindset that helps turn challenges into opportunities and NO into YES.
“Winners are not those who never fail, but those who never give up.” – Brian Tracy
If you want to learn more about the principles that help overcome obstacles and build success, check out our book “Successful Mindset: The Key to Achieving Your Goals.”
Click here to order the book: [LINK TO BOOK]
Remember—determination, persistence, and action can turn every NO into YES. 🐸👑
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