I had to come to the realization that my best work is done under ridiculous time crunches.

I used to tell clients I'd have their work for them in three weeks. Then spend 2 weeks and 4 days doing anything else, and panicking two days before the deadline and pounding out the work. The worst part of that model is that I spent the better part of two weeks in a funk, feeling like shit about myself, calling myself an asshole for not doing the client's work, and picking myself to pieces.

Then I started promising the work "by Friday", or "on Monday".

The client's eyes would pop open. They'd say "which month?!?" and I'd reply, "THIS WEEK."

Then I'd deliver brilliant work to them, in blazing-fast time, and - guess what? - they'd give me more work. And pay up front for it.

Right this moment, I am looking at 9 projects I have to deliver by next Friday. I have a severe head cold. I can't think. But I also know that it will be crunch-time every single day next week, and I will do good work, and it will get done on time.

It's weird. I know. But it works for me. And I don't spend weeks beating myself up for being a useless shit - BONUS!