Why Optimists Don’t Stay Silent About Rejection—And You Shouldn’t Either

Tanesha Moody
3 days ago
4 min read

Let’s talk about optimism, rejection, and the power of believing in the best while preparing for the worst. And no, this isn’t about slapping on a fake smile and pretending rejection doesn’t hurt. It’s about leveraging optimism—the real, gritty kind that says, “I see the storm coming, but I’ve got my umbrella ready.”

Why Optimists Embrace Rejection (and How You Can, Too) - Navigating Rejection - Tanesha L. Moody

Optimism As a Superpower (Even If I Roll My Eyes at It Sometimes)

I inwardly cringe whenever I’m asked, “What’s your superpower?” in interviews. I mean, do they want me to say something wild like “mind-reading” or “time travel”? The truth is, my superpower isn’t flashy, and it’s certainly not Excel spreadsheets.

It’s optimism. Infectious, (sometimes annoyingly) persistent optimism.

Here’s the thing: optimism isn’t just about seeing the glass as half full. It’s about acknowledging that something will likely go wrong—because it always does—and trusting that we can handle it anyway.

I’ve tested this theory in some wild situations. During my time in theatre, we had templates ready for everything: holding a show mid-performance, delayed cues, and everything in between. Similarly, while leading events at Under Armour, I prepped for everything from internet crashes to executives ghosting their own virtual events (really).

The real superpower, though, isn’t just in the preparation. It’s in the reaction. When things went sideways—like a literal fire breather catching fire (yes, that happened)—my teams looked to me to stay calm, optimistic, and solutions-focused. Smiling through the chaos works.

Optimism + Rejection: A Weirdly Perfect Combo

Okay, let’s be real. Optimists, I need you to stay with me here.

One of the most effective ways to prepare for rejection is to expect it—joyfully. Yes, at every turn, expect rejection to be lurking just around the corner. Not in a “doom and gloom” way, but in a “this might happen, and I’m ready for it” way.

For example:

Expect that your friend, who promised to meet you at 7:30 pm, will cancel at 7:02 pm.
Expect that your family member who said, “I’ll call you right back,” won’t call until Christmas (is this just an African American thing?).
Expect that your 33rd job application this month might end with a “Thanks, but no thanks” email.

And here’s the kicker—while expecting rejection, also expect that things might go your way. I can’t leave us optimists hanging completely!

Embracing Rejection: The Boyfriend Example

When I gave my boyfriend the chance to get together, I knew rejection could be on the other side of my offer. I didn’t know if he’d say yes, but I put myself out there anyway. It felt vulnerable and terrifying but also liberating.

And you know what? Facing rejection as a possibility made me braver. It didn’t crush me. It didn’t make me less. It reminded me that trying is its own kind of win.

For My Non-Optimists: You’ve Got This Too

If optimism isn’t your thing and you’re already great at predicting worst-case scenarios, you’re halfway there. You’re embracing rejection as a possibility! But here’s a fun challenge: throw a little positive energy into the mix.

Consider what happens if things do work out. What if your pitch gets accepted? What if your friend doesn’t cancel? What if that job application leads to an interview?

Balancing our energy between “this could go wrong” and “this could go right” makes navigating rejection feel less overwhelming—and maybe even a little exciting.

Practical Steps for Positive Optimism

Whether optimism comes naturally to you or not, here’s how to prepare for rejection with a smile:

Name the Possibilities: Write down the best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios for the situation. Visualizing the spectrum of outcomes helps us prepare mentally and emotionally.
Create a Rejection Toolkit: Save affirmations, quotes, or notes-to-self that remind you of your resilience. (My go-to: “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” Thanks, Mommy!)
Celebrate Courage: Every time you put yourself out there, honor the bravery it takes to be vulnerable. Rejection or not, you’re already winning.
Balance Hope and Realism: Expect rejection as an option, but don’t abandon hope. Allow room for the unexpected “yes.”

Final Thoughts: Rejection Is Part of the Process

Optimism isn’t about ignoring rejection—it’s about preparing for it while holding space for joy and possibility. It’s about showing up, even when the “no” feels inevitable, because we know every rejection brings us closer to what is meant for us.

So, let’s embrace rejection as part of the journey. Let’s face it with smiles, courage, and maybe even a little humor. And when rejection knocks on your door? Hug the Mime, take a deep breath, and remember: you’ve got this.

Why Optimists Embrace Rejection (and How You Can, Too)

www.taneshalmoody.com

<!-- LinkedInContent: 🌟 Why Optimists Embrace Rejection (and How You Can, Too) 🌟

Rejection isn’t fun—but what if it was a stepping stone instead of a roadblock? Optimists know the secret: they don’t avoid challenges; they prepare for them, learn from them, and still hold onto hope for a “yes.”

In my latest blog, I’m diving into how a little optimism can reshape how we face rejection. It’s about:

✨ Expecting the “no’s” while staying open to the “yes.”

✨ Celebrating the courage it takes to try.

✨ Turning rejection into a tool for resilience and growth.

🌈 What if rejection wasn’t a dead end, but a nudge toward what’s truly meant for you? Let’s explore together.

👉 Read the blog here and share below—how do you stay optimistic when rejection knocks?

#NavigatingRejection #OptimismInAction #GrowthMindset #ResilienceAndCourage #LiveFullOut -->