At some point in your life, you will probably open a letter that contains the words, “I regret to inform you that…” from a college, specific program, scholarship, internship, job, or the like that you have applied for.
The stages a lot of people go through after receiving a letter of this nature are similar to the ones you go through after a hard break up. I’ve listed these stages as well as my advice on how to move past them:
Stage one: Anger
Possible thoughts:
“How could they reject me?”
“I worked so hard on that application!”
“I am so perfect for that (insert whatever you applied for). I deserved to get it.”
“Whatever, I don’t need them anyway!”
Mood Music: “So What”- Pink
How to handle this stage: Try to stay calm. If you really need to channel your anger, try writing a letter to whoever rejected you, but don’t send it to them. Just let out all of your thoughts, then throw it away.
Stage Two: Depression
Possible thoughts:
“What am I going to do now?”
“Why did I even try?”
“I wanted this so badly.”
“I’m never getting out of bed to do anything ever again.”
Mood Music: “Wrecking Ball”- Miley Cyrus
How to handle this stage: Call your best friend. Have her come over to share a bottle of wine or a jar of Nutella (or both, no judgment). Talk to her about it – you will probably feel better by the end of the night.
Stage Three: Picking Yourself Back Up
Possible thoughts:
“Well…this sucks, but I can move past it.”
“I really need to get out of this bed.”
“Time to find my plan B.”
“Goodbye sweatpants, hello shower.”
Mood Music: “That’s Life”- Frank Sinatra
How to handle this stage: Come up with a list of productive things you can do with your day – it doesn’t have to be anything major.
Stage Four: Find your next Plan of Action
Possible Thoughts:
“If I just do ____ differently, I might get it. I should try again.”
“I’m gonna keep exploring my options, maybe I’ll find something even better.”
“I CAN do this.”
Mood Music: “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”- Kelly Clarkson
How to handle this stage: Soak it in, embrace your awesome and look at your rejection as a blessing in disguise. You ‘re on your way to finding the place you truly belong.
Credits
All videos taken from YouTube