When inspiration strikes, I feel unstoppable.

Suddenly I’m overflowing with energy, moving at full speed, ready to take on enormous things… and then bam! I slam the brakes and switch directions completely.

Deep down, I know this is inevitable. At some point, I’m going to do it.

The problem? It keeps me from reaching my destination. And sometimes, instead of pushing through, I distract myself with something new. Just to escape the guilt of unfinished work.

I’ve learned this is part of my nature (feedback is a gift, after all). But being aware doesn’t make it easier. it makes it more challenging. Because now I know it’s a flaw I need to manage ASAP.

So I gave this side of me a name: “the enthusiastic panda.”

Cute, right? But also dangerous if left unchecked.

Here’s how I’ve been taming my panda. Setting boundaries, channeling energy, and keeping myself on track.

1. Prioritize What’s Important

“Rifie, you can’t work on four projects at once. You’ll end up achieving nothing.”

That’s the voice I imagine my boss saying every single morning. Firm. Almost angry. And honestly, it works.

I finally realized prioritizing isn’t optional. It’s survival. Because distractions will always tempt me. So I keep a journal, where I write down my priorities and visualize how I want to feel when I cross the finish line.

It’s my 15-minute morning ritual before commuting to work. It grounds me.

2. Focus on What Matters

“Rifie, never waste time on the peripheral. Start with what’s important.”

Ouch. That one cuts deep.

If I want to do real deep work, I remove temptations (like my phone). Then I visualize again: how do I want to feel tonight?

Usually, it’s this: free enough to listen to my daughter’s stories without worrying about unfinished tasks. That picture motivates me to get the essentials done.

3. Embrace the Mundane

“Yes, Rifie, you need to finish what you start. No excuses.”

The truth is, every big project has boring, repetitive parts. And skipping them just means the whole thing collapses.

So I remind myself daily: the mundane is part of the masterpiece.

And now? My energy doesn’t scatter as much. And I am still practicing to be perfect.

I can channel it productively, move toward my goals, and feel proud of my small but steady accomplishments.

If you’re like me, I hope this gives you a little clarity (and maybe a push) to keep going too.