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Brian Grazer: What People Really Mean When They Say No

You already know that rejection can be a great stepping stone for improvement, but Hollywood producer, filmmaker and author Brian Grazer says you can take it a step further.

After hearing someone tell you an idea isn't worth pursuing or just flat out "no," the emotional results can be disheartening. To combat this, Grazer says it's important to remember that oftentimes when people turn down an idea, they are doing so to convince themselves that it really is a bad idea. But if you've done the work and the research, that no doesn't have to impact your decision to pursue it. In other words, says Grazer, don't let a no stop you from pursuing your dreams when you know in your gut it has potential and is what you want to do.

Watch above to see how Grazer knows for sure when an idea is a good one and how he combats negative criticism and keeps his confidence intact.

Brian Grazer is an Academy Award-winning producer and New York Times bestselling author of A Curious Mind. He has been making movies and television programs for more than 25 years. Grazer’s films and TV shows have been nominated for a total of 43 Oscars and 158 Emmys. In 2002 he won the Best Picture Oscar for A Beautiful Mind.

Other film credits include
Get On Up, Rush, J. Edgar, Frost/Nixon, American Gangster, The Da Vinci Code, 8 Mile, Apollo 13, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Liar Liar, Backdraft, and Parenthood.

Grazer credits his success to his lifelong curiosity, courage and willingness to have conversations with total strangers. In his book,
A Curious Mind, he explores the power behind everyday conversations and how we can use our curiosity to live a bigger and better life.
Published 08/08/2016
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