Maybe it's how I grew up, but I'm good at keeping things in context. As long as nobody dies, whatever you're dealing with is not The Worst Thing Ever.

Like Cathy said, What's the worst that can happen?

When you're talking about freelance writing, that's probably having a your byline on an article the editor did a hatchet job on. And the solution? You don't use it as a clip. Most negative situations freelance writers face can be turned into lessons – that way you won't make the same mistake twice. And you'll grow as a professional.

And I've always loved your "analysis paralysis" line. It's perfect. I think your colleague's perspective is spot on. We do tend to over-analyze something, often to the point of killing it.

When I find myself stuck in analysis paralysis, I go back to a kick-in-the-pants question – what's the worst that could happen? I don't get the gig? Do I honestly believe there will never be another one? Hardly. I make a mistake? Some of my best lessons came from my mistakes.I charged too little? Charge more the next time.

In my corporate days, I had a colleague who had her own kick-in-the-pants inspiration. She'd ask, what – is this a cure for cancer? No? Then quit treating it like it is.