Stage 2 · Lesson 3 of 7
No big decisions for now
Right after a rejection, your brain is in threat mode and tends to see everything as all or nothing. That is the worst time to decide to drop out, change your degree, quit your job, delete your GitHub or send a long message to the recruiter or teacher.
Write the decision you want to make on paper, date it and put it away for at least a few days. If it still makes sense when you are calmer, you can act on it properly, with advice. Most decisions made in the first hour are reversed or regretted.
Common trapconfusing urgency with importance: it feels like you must act now, but almost nothing important needs deciding today.
A question to check yourself and an AI practice session come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- GuideFreeDoing What Matters in Times of Stress (WHO)
World Health Organization
Short, illustrated WHO guide to grounding yourself when stress is high
Practise
Keep handy
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).