When the Exam Results Weren’t What You Wanted: A Reflection Guide for Moving Forward

Today, many in the wine community received their Master Sommelier exam results. For some, it was a celebration. For others… it wasn’t.

If you’re reading this and the result you hoped for didn’t happen, I want you to know something right away:

I’ve been there. I know how heavy this moment feels. The gut punch. The swirl of shame, frustration, disbelief, and deep disappointment. I know what it’s like to have your identity wrapped so tightly around this exam that a “not yet” feels like a full-body rejection.

But it’s not.

This result does not mean you’re not good enough.

It does not erase the hours, the sacrifices, or the knowledge you’ve built.

And it definitely does not define your future.

What you’re feeling right now is valid. And also—there’s a way through it. Not over it. Not past it. Through it.

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Step One: Breathe and Anchor in Self-Compassion

Before you analyze or make decisions, pause. Be gentle with yourself. You put yourself in the arena, and that alone is something most people will never understand.

Try journaling these prompts:

• I am proud of myself for…

• I have accomplished…

• One challenge I faced and showed up for was…

• I gave myself the gift of trying, and that means…

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Step Two: Separate Your Worth from the Outcome

This result is a moment in time, not a reflection of your value. You are still an incredible wine professional. You are still worthy of respect, growth, and success.

Ask yourself:

• My value is not tied to…

• I am still worthy of…

• Who I am outside of this exam is…

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Step Three: Reframe the Narrative

Your inner critic may be loud right now. But what if you changed the conversation?

Reflect with:

• What would I say to a friend who didn’t pass?

• What qualities got me through this journey so far?

• If this result didn’t define me, what would?

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Step Four: Extract the Lessons (Without the Shame)

Now that the emotion is acknowledged, you can think clearly about the process. This is where growth lives—not in perfection, but in perspective.

Consider:

• What worked in my preparation?

• What felt off?

• What lessons can I carry forward if I choose to retake it?

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Step Five: Reconnect with Your Why

In this moment, it’s easy to forget why you started. Reconnecting to your deeper purpose helps bring clarity to your next step.

Journal on:

• Why did I begin this journey in the first place?

• What part of this still matters to me?

• What kind of impact do I want to make in the wine world?

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Step Six: Decide What Comes Next (With Intention)

There’s no “right” answer—only what feels aligned with who you are now.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to retake the exam?

• Do I need a pause or a pivot?

• What would support look like if I gave myself permission to receive it?

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If Your Exam Results Brought You Down

I know how lonely this part can feel. When you give your all and still come up short, it shakes everything. But you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep carrying this silently.

If you’re ready to reset, refocus, and rebuild in a way that supports your whole self—your brain, your energy, and your heart—my group coaching program is here for you.

We dive into strategy, study planning, mindset, and support for neurodiverse learners and high-achieving professionals like you. Not because you’re broken. But because this process is hard, and support changes everything.

You’re not done. This isn’t the end. And you are more than a score.

Curious what group coaching actually feels like?

You can get a free look inside one of our recent sessions: Spot the Gaps: How to Identify What You're Missing in Study. This class is all about helping you recognize blind spots and refine your strategy so you’re not spinning your wheels.