Stop Being a Dream Deflator

Written by

Janis Todd-Randall, BA, MA, EMBA

Stupidbubble Founder

The Negative First Responders.
You know them. The automatic shutdown crew. The dream deflators. You say, “What if we—” and they’ve already stamped NO in red like it’s a personality trait.

Burst the bubble: A reflex “no” isn’t wisdom—it’s lazy thinking dressed as caution.

1) The “No” Reflex Is Cheap

“No” takes no effort, no imagination, no accountability. It’s a verbal shoulder shrug. You know what costs courage? “Tell me more.” You know what takes leadership? A well-considered yes—or a thoughtful test instead of a reflex tombstone.

2) Killjoys Kill Momentum

You bring a spark, they bring a wet blanket. Confidence shrinks, ideas wither, rooms go dull. When you shut down ideas before they can evolve, you’re choosing comfort over progress—every. single. time.

3) Default “No” Is Default Fear

Behind automatic rejection is fear of failing, looking foolish, losing control. Let’s call it what it is: practicality in a cheap mask. Growth never arrives gift-wrapped in certainty.

4) Repeat “No,” Lose the Room

Say “no” long enough and the brave stop inviting you. Opportunity avoids closed doors. Your brand becomes “maintenance,” not movement.

5) Not Every Idea Gets a Green Light—But It Deserves a Window

We’re not blessing recklessness. We’re banning drive-by dismissal. Good leaders give ideas oxygen, ask sharp questions, then decide with data—not fear.

Life Lesson

Replace reflex with review. Pause the “no,” ask three clarifying questions, then choose pilot, park, or pass—on purpose.

The Stupidbubble Curiosity Play (use this week)

• 3Q Rule: Before deciding, ask: What’s the upside? What’s the smallest test? What would make this a no-brainer?
• Micro-Pilot: 7–14 day test, fixed budget, one success metric. Decide by evidence, not ego.
• Red-Team Kindly: If you must say no, offer one improvement or one intro. Be a bridge, not a brick wall.
• Momentum Guard: Remove one chronic “No-Machine” from approval paths for early experiments.
• Win Log: Record shipped tests and lessons weekly. Curiosity compounds.

Everybody has a stupidbubble. Some stay trapped. Some break it. We turn ours into power.

Bottom line: Reflex “no” protects your image; practiced curiosity builds your future.

Ready to lead with curiosity instead of fear? 

FREE! Turn minutes into momentum. Get The Awakening Part One — Audiobook + Manifesto. Press Play or Download Audiobook. Listen and Speak the Manifesto daily for 7 days. Watch your focus sharpen.

And if you’re constantly surrounded by “no” people?
Find a new room.

You deserve to dream with people who say, “Hell yeah, let’s try it and figure it out.” Download our FREE Stupidbubble Athem and cheer yourself up!

Now tell me:
Who’s the “no” person in your life—or are you brave enough to admit it’s been you?
Drop a comment. Let’s talk about how to break the habit and build something better. 🚫➡️✅