Laura Schuerwegen

STATS: 4 days, 11 applications

It’s been four days since I took up the challenge of getting rejected 1000 times in a year. The goal I set is to apply to 3 things each day, which would give me ample opportunities to get to 1000 rejections.

Since I have started doing this, I have come to quite a few interesting observations and had a number of conversations about this topic, so I decided to write an entry to share.

First of all, three applications a day may seem like little, but it’s actually quite intense, and I have found there are days I struggle. Some of these are as straightforward as filling a form, but I currently have two optionals sitting in my tab that require me to put together a 20-page document – ouf! And on top of the actual work these things take, there’s also the psychological factor.

So onto that. I’ve come to find that, very often, when I apply to residencies, speaker opportunities, and the like, I fill out the entire form and then end up not submitting because of imposter syndrome! Or I second-guess the work in my portfolio, or – enter any number of self-denying reasons. The rejection target, however, happily cuts through that narrative because the goal is ultimately to be rejected, not necessarily to be retained (though that would, of course, be lovely). So the self-denying prophecy is hereby nipped in the bud. Even the fear of rejection, when rejection becomes the goal, is neatly repackaged as desirable. So I can highly recommend.

I’m sure I will have more to say going forwards! Thus far, I have applied to 2 residencies, 1 paid article opportunity, 1 paid facilitator opportunity, 1 fellowship, 1 networking opportunity, 3 artist opportunities, 1 interview. Stay tuned! And don’t hesitate to drop an opportunity if you see one, still a great many needed!