Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) in Entrepreneurs: Navigating Visibility, Criticism & Self-Doubt

You hit publish. You send the pitch. You put your offer out into the world.

Then… crickets.

And suddenly, it’s not just a quiet post or an unanswered email. It feels like proof that you’re not good enough.

If you’ve ever gone from excited to questioning your entire business because of someone’s silence, I want you to know you’re not alone.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Diana Hayes, a performance coach specializing in ADHD and autism and host of Even the Dog Has ADHD podcast, we explore rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), emotional overwhelm, and why visibility can feel so vulnerable, especially when you’re building a business.

When business feels personal

RSD is a term people use to describe an intense, painful response to perceived rejection or criticism. It isn’t a formal standalone diagnosis, but it can help describe an experience that many people recognize.

Diana and I talk about how quickly a lack of response can turn into a story about our worth, our work, or whether we should even keep going.

And when entrepreneurship asks us to be visible again and again, those feelings can become exhausting.

You don’t have to push through everything

We also explore the importance of understanding your emotional responses, finding ways to regulate when you feel overwhelmed, and creating boundaries that support you.

Because there’s a difference between stretching yourself to grow and pushing yourself so hard that you’re constantly depleted.

I want you to find ways to market your business that fit your personality, your strengths, and your capacity. You can challenge yourself without treating yourself like the enemy.

You’re allowed to be a work in progress

Diana and I also talk about being multi-passionate and the value of connection and support. You don’t have to have every answer, fit into one box, or figure everything out alone.

Sometimes the next step isn’t to work harder. It’s to understand yourself better and find support that helps you move forward.

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If you haven’t heard Part 1, start there (Episode 118) for our discussion about neurodivergent strengths and building a business that works with your brain. Because your business can challenge you without defining your worth. 💖