How to embrace the pressure

I looked up from the desk. It was midnight. I was mentally drained and physically exhausted. I was falling asleep and didn’t have an idea in my head. My panic was growing because a messenger was scheduled to pick up my score at 6am and I was terrified at the prospect of not meeting my deadline. I had a LONG way to go to finish and I was hopelessly stuck. If i didn’t deliver on time I knew that my nascent career could be over. My wife and infant son were fast asleep. My only companion was the TV I kept on my desk to remind me that time was passing. I had to find a way to stay awake and finish the assignment on time. I was paralyzed by my anxiety. As my breathing became shallow and weak my body took over sending me into a fight or flight response.

I frantically began to contemplate my options. I could flee my discomfort and go to bed and let the chips fall where they may. Or, I could fight my way through my indecision and look for a new...

It’s reassuring to tell yourself that you know your business.

• You have experience.
• You are productive and get the job done.
• You make conscious decisions.

You don’t always agree with everyone but you know how to say no and how to persuade your collaborators.

Sometimes our habits and conditioning are...

Yes. Artists use their emotions in their work.

It comes with the territory.

Accessing their feelings enables the artist to present a unique point of view.

After all: art is a means of expression...

Sometimes there are valid reason that goals change.

There could be an unavoidable, unrelated problem that affects your role.

These problems have to be dealt with regardless of how they affect you.

Chronic indecision seems to come from...

Cooking can be creative. It is also a complex task.

You have to decide on your dish, buy your ingredients and assemble them.

If you’re lucky you can tweak the recipe to imprint your style and taste.

The experienced chef can magically make meals appear from next to nothing.

To the uninitiated making a complicated meal and having it ready to be served at the same time is unimaginable.

A chef would never consider...

We all have the best of intentions when we start a project and want to please our clients so it’s common to agree to whatever deadline you are given.

It’s easy to assume that you can do everything and walk away with all the money. You’re talented. You got the job. You’re an expert at what you do. What could go wrong?

• In film there could be picture edits.
• There could be changes in the musical approach.
• Music could be added after the spotting session.
• The person you answer too could leave the project.

The list can go on forever because every project is different.

Murphy’s law says:"Anything that can go wrong will go wrong". Without question situations will change and adjustments will have to be made.

As with any task, seeing what needs to be done, how it’s going to be executed and how is going to do it are the steps necessary to achieve a successful conclusion.

Creating a schedule and being reasonable about your abilities and...