I have a difficult time feeling accomplished, and am always looking for the next thing to produce and pour myself into. I appreciate recognition and praise, don’t get me wrong. But I feel that the high doesn’t last very long and end up taking on even more projects.

Here is an excerpt from my personal blog:

In career and life, I tend to get gratification from getting noticed after I accomplish whatever it is I’m working on. A cause and effect. I need to do something and be proud of the end result before I can truly appreciate someone’s praise of me.

Maybe that’s why I like design. I produce, then get applauded for the final piece. To me, doing is a lot more satisfying than just being.

If you’re anything like me, you have to make a conscious effort. Realize when to say “stop” before you pour project after project to the brim of the glass or you’ll end up with too much, making a mess of yourself.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. So it’s not perfect. So you’re not perfect.  No one is. If you made a genuine effort, stepped back a few times and gave a project all the solutions you could come up with, then finalize it. You can always make another version. Maybe all you need is a second set of eyes, or time without thinking about it.

See the big picture… in life. How much impact will this one project have? Can you hold off on working on it for one more day? Maybe that’s all you need to come up with the last bit and achieve that “finished” feeling.

See quote above. If you fall and get overwhelmed there is always a way out. Dig your way out of the hole. Put projects back where you got them if they aren’t doing you any good, or ask for an extension. Sometimes pressing projects to you can actually wait.

Remember, your health is important and that includes mental health. Try not to get stressed over a project, at least, not the bad kind of stress. Stress should be a motivator, mixed with adrenaline and excitement– not taking a toll on every waking minute of your life.

Good luck and remember to enjoy each and every journey you encounter.