No, no, no, no, no… You’re going to hear it a lot if you’re chasing your biggest dreams. Iskra Lawrence is a British model and a champion for #EveryBODYisBeautiful, body diversity and self-care. Iskra was told she was both “too big” for straight-size modeling and “not big enough” for plus-size modeling… but she forged her own way. Now she is committed to reshaping the image of women in the media. She is bold, authentic, beautiful, brilliant, and today she is HERE! You probably already know and adore her, but officially MEET Iskra Lawrence!
As a fellow Aerie #AerieREAL Role Model, it’s safe to say this woman has made a name for herself in an industry where she was told NO… A lot. In this episode, Iskra will teach us how to carve our own path, find confidence during our darkest days, and continue on– even when the world tells us “no.” Did you already listen? What’d ya think?
If you believe you’re going to do something, start saying it
Are you going to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro? Start saying it. Are you going to quit your job and be your own boss? Start saying it. Be honest with yourself and hold yourself accountable. Tell everyone what you’re going to do and your supporters will cheer you on.
It’s not “no”, it’s “not right now”
When Iskra hears no, and she still does even with the name she’s made for herself, she thinks, “I’ve got to be more clever. I need to think outside the box or dig around it.”
People often believe you need someone to be 100-percent on board with your mission, but that’s very difficult to achieve. If someone has any question in their mind about what you’re asking for or trying to accomplish, they will likely reject you to protect themselves and their own fear of failure. To Iskra, no really means “not right now” or “let’s get creative and brainstorm how I can really convince them.”
The initial “no” that gives you the sinking feeling in your stomach, that makes you want to give up — embrace it. Embrace every feeling and emotion, but don’t harbor it. That no was a passing moment and now it’s time to get back to work. It’s too easy to let no stop you. You are resilient. You are strong. There is so much that you are capable of so don’t let that tiny roadblock stop you. Take time to work on yourself, your idea, or your business and return when you’re stronger and try again.
When you hear no, question yourself
Do you fully believe in what you’re talking about? Do I fully believe this is what I’m meant to be doing? Recognize that you could be going down the wrong road and this path may not be for you. Hearing no may mean it wasn’t meant to happen for you, so focus in on what you’re truly meant to do.
Ask for what you want
You can’t expect to get what you want if you don’t ask for it or work for it. If you were passed over for a promotion at work, but you didn’t apply and didn’t tell your seniors you were interested in the opportunity, you can’t be upset that you missed out on what you wanted. Show up for yourself and what you want.
Surround yourself with diverse friends and mentors
A diverse group of friends, mentors, and supporters will help you through your journey to see different angles and ways to work around the rejection. Connect with people who are older than you, who have more experience in your industry and in life, and ask for help and advice.
Stack up each no and let it be your fuel
Reflect on the nos you’ve heard and the rejection you’ve faced. When you achieve your success and reach what you’ve been after, the feeling will be even more rewarding. Let your struggle motivate your hunger to achieve success.
One of my favorite quotes from Iskra in this episode is, “There’s so much to be done, but let that excite us.” Goal Diggers, I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling all kinds of motivated after this episode.
This is just a peek at all the incredible advice and inspiration Iskra packed into this episode. There’s SO much more to Iskra’s story. Are you listening today?
This is an amazing episode! It was all the feels in one, and made me start my day right! Thank you Iskra for sharing you story and your passions♥️ I wish I could be a part of the Aerie movement.
[…] In the caption, the 28-year-old said she gets seriously excited when digging into a burger (uh, who doesn’t?). Another thing she’s “buzzing” about: her recent appearance on Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast. […]