Hey there —

“We received your pitch, however...”

“I appreciate you asking me out, but…”

“Thank you for applying, unfortunately…”

If any of these phrases make you cringe, you’re not alone. When you go after a blossoming opportunity — only to be jabbed with the thorns of denial — the resulting sting can be heart-wrenching. 🥀

In fact, fMRI studies show that when we experience rejection, it can fire up the same neural pathways that stimulate physical pain. (One study even found that taking Tylenol can ease this emotional discomfort!)

We tend to classify rejection in the same category as food poisoning or traffic tickets — avoid at all costs. 🙅 

But how would your life change if you didn’t run from rejection — but embraced it?

Rejection isn’t a bullet you need to dodge. It’s a learning opportunity that can spur personal growth and increase your resilience.

Few know this better than entrepreneur Jia Jiang.

Feeling trapped by his own fear of rejection, Jiang took on a “100-Day Rejection Challenge.” (Are you sweating yet?)

For 100 days, Jiang literally pursued refusal — from requesting a “burger refill” to asking a stranger for $100 — in order to desensitize himself from rejection’s sting.

He got dozens of “no”s (and a few surprising “yes”s). But by the end of the challenge, he felt more confident than ever — because the fear of rejection no longer dominated his actions.

The key to Jiang’s success? Approaching rejection as a temporary learning experience, not a dead end.

The next time you’re faced with dismissal, try these two mindful reframings to prevent rejection from holding you back:

“They said no.” → “What would I learn if I asked them, ‘Why not?’”

“It’s a closed door.” → “What other doors have now opened?”

This isn’t to say rejection won’t ever be painful. It’s hard to hear “no” and have to replace your game plan.

But if we view rejection as a constructive opportunity rather than a destructive obstacle, it can enrich our lives in ways we might never have imagined.

And best of all, we can experience the growth that comes with exploring new territory. 🏔

How our YouTube videos changed the city we live in

by Honest Guide

Your videos can have an impact far beyond amassing comments or subs.

YouTubers Honza Mikulka and Janek Rubeš, who run Honest Guide, are a great example of this. Their channel is dedicated to exposing scams in their hometown of Prague and other tourist destinations.

They’ve unmasked crooked cabbies, unscrupulous exchange rate agencies, and more — all leading to real-world changes. In this video, they explain how their channel played a part in making Prague a safer city for its citizens and tourists.

It’s a powerful reminder that you can create the change you want to see through your art.

Watch the video →

After watching this, your brain will not be the same

by Dr. Lara Boyd

“Any man could, if he were so inclined, be the sculptor of his own brain.” — Santiago Ramon y Cajal

All of us have a malleable brain — and neuroplasticity is how we become its sculptor. In this TED Talk, brain researcher Dr. Lara Boyd explains how neuroplasticity alters our brain to support learning, resulting in us acquiring new skills.

Curious about learning myths, the best way to learn something new, and other healthy brain behaviors? Then you’ll dig Dr. Boyd’s presentation.

Watch the video →

Live cams.

by Explore

You didn’t ask, but wouldn’t it be cool if you could see what penguins are up to? 🐧

Introducing Live Cams, a streaming website where you can peek into the lives of both wild and domesticated animals. Join the “Nestflix” channel to spy on brooding birds, or try “Utopia Village,” where you’ll see a colorful reef in the turquoise waters of Honduras.

If critters aren’t your thing, check out their nature and meditation channels instead. 🧘

Go to a live stream →

QUESTION
We know that shaping your workspace to be less distracting (like keeping your phone away from your desk) is a good way to increase productivity. But what if you're working in a tight space and/or on a thin budget? When you only have one computer for work and entertainment? When you're in a studio apartment? What are some ways to mold a better environment, physically and digitally, when the obvious answers just aren't viable?

— Ashton M., New York, USA

ANSWER
Great question, Ashton! As a group that works remotely from our homes around the globe, the Slow Growth team can definitely relate. (Including Matt, who edited his first documentary on a tiny Target desk next to his bed.) Here are our collective tips for making the most of your small space and/or budget while staying productive! 🧑‍💻

• Set up separate user profiles on your computer or internet browser — one personal and one for work. The act of logging in and out of your work profile can provide a much-needed work/life boundary at the start and end of your day, plus it’ll help your personal projects and entertainment time feel a little more separate from your 9-5.

• Mix up your environment. Consider renting a co-working space if you can swing the cost, or head to a coffee shop for the day. If your budget is extra tight, try your local library or a neighborhood park. Even just switching up where in your apartment you sit can be a nice change of pace!

• Get creative with your space. Create a separate workspace in a studio or small apartment by using a room divider, like a curtain or panel screen, which can be pushed aside if you need the full space. Or for a more permanent option, try a shelf unit that's accessible from both sides, or some tall indoor plants.

• Invest in quality headphones. Matt recommends Bose Noise Canceling, but a quick Google search for “best noise canceling headphones'' will provide a variety of options for different budgets. If you’re sharing a tiny space with a partner, over-ear headphones can be a sign to them that you’re “in the zone” and need to focus.

• Create a routine. “Cue” your brain that it’s time for work-mode by creating a daily routine that helps you easily slip into a productive flow. This might look like logging into your work profile on your laptop, starting up a time-tracking app like Clockify, and hitting play on your favorite playlist. (We recommend “Deep Focus” or “Magic State” on Spotify.)

• Turn on “Do not disturb.” From text messages to any number of apps slinging notifications our way (we’re looking at you Slack), it’s easy to have our concentration broken by a steady stream of chirps and pings. Take control and pause those pesky alerts for a set period of time so you can focus on crushing your goals. 💪

Got a question for the Slow Growth team? Click here to send it our way!

Written by Alice Lemée

Edited by Matt D'Avella & Kerstin Sheppard