Note to Self nº5
Note to Self nº5


One Step Will Do
One step will do is a mantra I use whenever I feel overwhelmed by a project or task that takes me outside my comfort zone. I'll write it on sticky notes, on the corners of notebook pages, or as a temporary wallpaper for my phone. It's my way of getting unstuck. It's my trigger to acknowledge that I'm overwhelmed that I have been here before. It's a reminder that this feeling I'm experiencing is familiar and that I know what to do.
The most recent instance was a few months ago. I was rebranding a project for a non-profit project organization that was a new client. It all started with great excitement. The brief was clear, and I knew exactly how I wanted to tackle the thing. Then, out of nowhere, doubts, impostor syndrome, and insecurities started flooding in. Suddenly, I wasn't so confident.
I have two ways out of this situation:
First scenario: Time is on my side. I put the project on ice for a few days and focus on a completely different one to completely disconnect.
Second scenario: Deadlines are looming. I don't have the luxury of taking time off. I interrupt my work sessions with short time-outs. I move my chair out of the way and lie on the floor. In a starfish position, I close my eyes and slow my breathing—Inhale for 4 secs. Hold Exhale for four secs. Hold.
This helps me reset and relax. When I get back to my desk, I'm more mellow. From there, I go analogue. Pen and Paper. Or sticky notes. I make a list of manageable tasks. When satisfied, I cut them in half. I refocus, reframe the work, and get the ball rolling.
Instead of aiming to conquer the entire mountain, I focused on taking a single step and momentarily letting go of the big picture. I remind myself that I've been here countless times before and made it out successfully and in one piece.
NOTE TO SELF
Don't let the weight of the whole endeavour hold you back.
Remember, you've overcome similar challenges before, even if in different contexts.
Take that one single step to propel you forward.
Trust in your abilities, be courageous, and press forward.
You got this.
Peace and love, ✌️❤️.
One Step Will Do
One step will do is a mantra I use whenever I feel overwhelmed by a project or task that takes me outside my comfort zone. I'll write it on sticky notes, on the corners of notebook pages, or as a temporary wallpaper for my phone. It's my way of getting unstuck. It's my trigger to acknowledge that I'm overwhelmed that I have been here before. It's a reminder that this feeling I'm experiencing is familiar and that I know what to do.
The most recent instance was a few months ago. I was rebranding a project for a non-profit project organization that was a new client. It all started with great excitement. The brief was clear, and I knew exactly how I wanted to tackle the thing. Then, out of nowhere, doubts, impostor syndrome, and insecurities started flooding in. Suddenly, I wasn't so confident.
I have two ways out of this situation:
First scenario: Time is on my side. I put the project on ice for a few days and focus on a completely different one to completely disconnect.
Second scenario: Deadlines are looming. I don't have the luxury of taking time off. I interrupt my work sessions with short time-outs. I move my chair out of the way and lie on the floor. In a starfish position, I close my eyes and slow my breathing—Inhale for 4 secs. Hold Exhale for four secs. Hold.
This helps me reset and relax. When I get back to my desk, I'm more mellow. From there, I go analogue. Pen and Paper. Or sticky notes. I make a list of manageable tasks. When satisfied, I cut them in half. I refocus, reframe the work, and get the ball rolling.
Instead of aiming to conquer the entire mountain, I focused on taking a single step and momentarily letting go of the big picture. I remind myself that I've been here countless times before and made it out successfully and in one piece.
NOTE TO SELF
Don't let the weight of the whole endeavour hold you back.
Remember, you've overcome similar challenges before, even if in different contexts.
Take that one single step to propel you forward.
Trust in your abilities, be courageous, and press forward.
You got this.
Peace and love, ✌️❤️.
A design mentor in your inbox
A design mentor in your inbox
A design mentor in your inbox
Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.
Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.
Each edition of my newsletter addressed a challenges we encounter as designers and providing clear, actionable insights to get you unstuck. It's akin to having a mentor right in your inbox.