Even when something good happens, it’s easy to feel depressed. For many, this is an absolutely ridiculous way to feel after something good happens, and therefore we are left alone to feel even worse than we already do. You think to yourself:
But I should be happy. This is great news!
Isn’t it a huge problem when you don’t feel confident when everything in your life is going right? I was once working on an article that I thought was great. It was then shot back by the editor who filled it with a ton of red marks. This went back and forth and back and forth.
Finally, I got it! What I had worked so hard to accomplish finally happened.
Yet at the same time, I couldn’t help but focus on everything that went wrong and focus on the empty future. What I had worked so hard for finally paid off, but something didn’t feel right. There were likely a few different things going on in my head:
Why Sometimes Good Things Are Frightening
What’s next? Everything that you were working to create is over.
What if I don’t live up to the expectations? What if people don’t like my writing?
What if I can’t find somewhere else to go? Or something else to work on?
What if that article could have been better, and now I have no chance to fix it?
As much as people may think that someone should be happy when a big accomplishment occurs, this simply is not always the case. Oftentimes people live for the project and it gives them a sense of purpose. When it’s all gone, it’s okay to feel lost.
What You Can Do to Enjoy the Moment
Have something else lined up. If you know your big project is coming to a close, jot down some ideas of things you can do when you’re finished with your project. The pressure will be off because you still have your project to work on, but you’ll have something ready to go when the project is all over.
Try to focus on the fact that something was accomplished because you did well. If your work wasn’t good, you’d still be working. If you’re beyond the point of confidence on your own, know that you can lean on the professionals to make sure that they are only praising you for work well done.
Know that confidence comes with time. Even if you’re feeling a little bit down on yourself, you will soon be proud of what you have accomplished. Don’t rush it.
It’s okay to tell people that you aren’t overly happy. Don’t fake happiness. Let them know how you are feeling and them if they have any ideas for future projects. Let them know you aren’t looking for praise, you’re looking to relax!
Speaking of relaxation—now is the perfect time to treat yourself. Decompressing should help you feel calm about the huge stress-induced project you just completed.
Just knowing that your actions are normal should help. Many people don’t feel confident after finishing a large project, but this does not mean that it isn’t a huge accomplishment.
In the comments,
Tell us about a time when you should have been happy because of a huge success, but felt nervous instead.
Tell us what helped you feel better about your situation.
Amanda DiSilvestro is the Editor-in-chief for Plan, Write, GO. She has been writing about all things digital marketing, both as a ghostwriter, guest writer, and blog manager, for over 10 years. Check out her blogging services to learn more!