A: My editor gave me the option of turning in my piece very late, and I agreed to this, but I feel like I’ll be done with it sooner, and that turning it in later will require additional work to keep it up to date. So I am aiming to get it done earlier, and then once I’m nearing completion (Friday afternoon or Monday afternoon or during the weekend), see if she wants to publish it earlier, or wait until later and have me do the additional work.

B: My decision is wrong because there’s a chance that she will say no, just wait, and then I won’t be able to handle my anxiety about the piece not being good enough for the whole week, and about not working on it sufficiently, and I will waste a lot of billable hours being a perfectionist. Also, if I turn it in later, I’m not being as helpful to the tenants as if I turned it in earlier (just because the more advocacy earlier, the better), and I risk having my idea stolen.

C:  feel there’s a hole in my stomach. having trouble making decisions about when to schedule things.

D: There was no clear right decision. Also, the story is going to be published no matter what. and whether it’s a week late early or late doesn’t matter in a huge huge way, as long as you get it out.  Also, you definitely are NOT required to obsess about the piece all week. You could work on your book and take a few hours each day to update yourself and read more deeply. You’re already at the word limit, so adding more isn’t an option.

E: Keep to the plan. Live with your decisions and see how things work out.  Trust in your ability to know if this is a good piece and when to stop. Stop judging yourself (for not moving “Fast”) –after all, you’re choosing a different kind of discomfort; the discomfort of having to make a judgment call rather than having a deadline make the call for you); feel patient, live in the moment, enjoy the process; let go of the other decision you could have made.

Gratitude: For the support of my friends; for the light snow this morning; for all the yummy cakes in the house this week; for these opportunities to improve my mental health.

VIsualizaiton: i enjoy work for the rest of the day. I feel GOOD about what I’m learning and contributing to the world. I have a PLAN that i’m going to stick to, even if i still feel some undrelying anxiety. i SHIFT back to what matters if I get bombarded by my anxiety. I enjoy dinner with mom and dad and talkign with Lorenzo. I execute effective interviews tomorrow.