Hey friends,

What happens when you refuse to accept rejection? After months of rejections from various programs and communities, persistence is paying off. My hypothesis: If you keep showing up creatively and consistently, doors eventually open.

The Experiment

Earlier this year, I discovered the Network School, a startup society bootstrapping other societies near Singapore. Their vision of daily workouts, healthy meals, coworking, and lectures in a like-minded community resonated deeply. But I missed the first cohort.

Instead of accepting this missed opportunity, I launched a persistent campaign. I DM'd the founder about future cohorts, submitted my application when announced, and followed up consistently. After three months, I sent one more tweet. Two days later I was accepted. This September, I'll join their community in Malaysia, just across the Singapore border.

The Summer Adventure Begins

This breakthrough launches my European summer journey. After two months in the Swiss Alps, I'm heading to Hanover, Germany for a 10-day stopover before continuing to Sweden for Hybrida Fest. This experimental festival combines art, music, and nature in the Swedish countryside, where I'll volunteer in the kitchen—another example of turning outreach into community participation.

The Learning

Persistence isn't about blind repetition—it's about creative consistency. Each rejection becomes a data point, helping me refine my approach. The key isn't just trying again, but trying differently.

Your Turn to Experiment

Consider the opportunity you've given up on. What if one more message could make the difference? Perhaps it's time to:

1. Send that follow-up email.

2. Try a different way to communicate.

3. Reach out one more time.

Remember: sometimes the difference between a closed door and an open one is just one more try.

Until next Sunday,

Jesse