We are easily impressed by outcomes, while it is the practice we should emphasize.
Outcomes constantly fluctuate between two opposites: success and failure. Outcomes are out of our control, they are dependent on many factors we do not even pretend to understand. Outcomes are in the future.
Practice is progressive growth, unstoppable. Practice is under our control, it is determined by factors (effort, time, attention) which we can allocate and redistribute. Practice is here and now.
When you feel overwhelmed, you need to be able to take a step aside, have a look at what makes you feel that way, and put all the ducks in a row.
Tasks are not that impossible when you break them down and put the result on a list.
You’ll most likely realize not everything needs to happen at the same time. Some things might possibly not be happening at all. Your focus will be assigned to what can deliver the highest return – that is to say what can free most space from your mental, emotional, and physical clutter.
Learn to feel that sense of overwhelm approaching. The way your body reacts is often a good indicator. Then, take that step.
Keep telling people about the work you do.
When you don’t, your work is nonexistent. It is not imperfect, it is not in progress, it is not almost there. It is simply nonexistent. Out of any radar.
When you do, you open yourself to your audience. You get to know what they like, what they need, what they would like to see next. You start a cooperative work, whether you realize it or not.
And you might also find unexpected contributors.
The world is full with emails that lay out brilliant plans.
And it is full (though admittedly less so) with excited replies to those emails, expressing a convinced “I am in!”.
But the difference is in what comes after that.
Some people are excited by the process of getting things done, bringing the team together, convincing the skeptics, repeating the details over and over again, changing their minds, changing other people’s minds, navigating the ups and downs, waking up to failure, presenting in front of a crowd, putting in the work.
Some people are excited by the idea and see all of the above as an insurmountable obstacle.
You are probably part of one group or the other depending on circumstances. Just be aware that it is a choice you can make, an attitude you can change.
Things come and go. They come again and they go again. Other things will come and go.
And so on.
The only aspect you can really affect is the way things impact you. A rainy day can be a disaster or an opportunity. An argument with a friend can be a deal-breaker or a change in perspective. A rejection can get you down or give renewed energy.
You need intention when interacting with the world.
You've got this 