ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

EP. 324: Rejection-Proof: How ADHD Brains Can Turn ‘No’ Into ‘Next’

Mar 19, 2025

Join Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story, as she unpacks her journey with ADHD and rejection. Diagnosed in adulthood, Alice shares how she transformed her fear of rejection into a strategic advantage by aiming for 100 rejections in a year. She discusses the emotional weight of rejection, especially for those with ADHD, and how storytelling can be a superpower. Plus, learn how to rewire your mindset and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success for women entrepreneurs.

56:38

Episode guests

Alice Draper

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Reframing rejection as a stepping stone towards success enables individuals with ADHD to embrace risk-taking and resilience.

Building supportive communities significantly enhances the confidence and authenticity of individuals with ADHD, reducing feelings of isolation.

Utilizing storytelling in professional communication captivates attention and fosters emotional connections, making pitches more relatable and impactful.

Deep dives

Celebrating ADHD Strengths

The podcast emphasizes the necessity of celebrating the strengths and successes of individuals with ADHD, particularly women. It highlights how many notable figures, including Greta Gerwig and Michael Phelps, share this neurodivergence, yet often the narrative focuses on challenges rather than triumphs. This episode encourages a cultural shift towards recognizing the 43% of people with ADHD who excel in mental health and utilize their traits as assets. By reframing ADHD as a superpower, the discussion aims to empower listeners to embrace their uniqueness and achievements.

Intro

4min

Embracing ADHD: A Journey of Self-Discovery

17min

Embracing Rejection: Lessons in Resilience

16min

The Impact of Community and Commitment on Writing Success

2min

Embracing Rejection: A Path to Growth

4min

The Art of Storytelling for Connection

10min

Transforming Rejection into Opportunity: Closing Thoughts on ADHD

2min

Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

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Rejection stings, but what if you could flip it into your greatest advantage?

Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story, knows that rejection isn’t just part of the game—it is the game. Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, Alice struggled for years with imposter syndrome, social rejection, and the fear of putting herself out there. But everything changed when she set a radical goal: to get rejected 100 times in a year. What happened next? More success than she ever imagined.

In this conversation, Alice shares how growing up undiagnosed shaped her confidence, why ADHD brains are wired to fear rejection, and how she rewired her mindset to see “no” as a step toward “yes.” She dives into the science of rejection, how our ancestors depended on acceptance for survival, and why ADHD brains feel it even more intensely. Tracy and Alice also talk about harnessing rejection as a tool for success, why storytelling is a superpower, and how to shift from perfectionism to action.

Now a publicity strategist and media expert, Alice helps under-recognized women entrepreneurs land press and podcast guest spots—proving that rejection isn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of something bigger. If you’ve ever hesitated to put yourself out there for fear of failure, this episode will challenge you to rethink rejection—and maybe even celebrate it.

Resources:

Website: http://hustlingwriters.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicedraper/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-m-draper/
Podcast: https://hustlingwriters.com/podcast/
Course: https://hustlingwriters.com/pitchyourpower/

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/book

Join Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aok

Visit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com

Join our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka

Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/class

Unlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends

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