I start working on a problem. It might seem easy at first.

But then, I hit an unexpected roadblock. This is harder than I thought.

I’m several layers deep. This isn’t fun anymore. I’m sweating. Where was I again?

The stress started because I began working on the problem assuming it would be easy.

I wasn’t prepared for a learning opportunity, for something harder.

Instead, start any work with this mindset:

I don’t know what I will find. I might run into something unexpected and hard.

That’s ok. If I relax and give myself permission to take my time, I’ll learn something new and feel great about it.