You wanted to work desperately. You prepared. You planned. You even had a contingency plan. Then, life proclaimed with a wrecking ball that it did not care. If you are driven to excel, then anxiety can take you hostage when your plans are shattered. The solution is not to commiserate. But to zoom out and realize that it's not the end of the world.
Have you ever been in an impossible situation where you felt everything you can accomplish is a bonus?
Those are your expectations being lowered in the cellar. Low expectations do not make the situation easier, though they can reduce stress. It is not about unconditional optimism, mind you. But sometimes, your toolbox only contains a rusty screwdriver. What do you do then?
You let go of your expectations. And do the work, nonetheless.
I needed to realize that even if I know what makes me productive, focusing on the details makes me miss the tree for the forest. If the odds are stacked against you, don't make it worse by obsessing about being your absolute best.
Think about
Can you let go of your high expectations when your plans evaporate by meeting reality?
Can you focus on not making a mistake by making yourself miserable?