---

Do you feel guilty about seemingly never being able to catch up?  When you’re home at night or away from your desk, are you plagued by negative thoughts about what you’re not getting done?  

Harvard Business Review contributor Art Markman says sometimes guilt or shame can motivate us.  But other times, it’s better to let go. How?

• Exercise self-compassion.  Forgive yourself like you would a friend or colleague who is having difficulty catching up on projects.  Give yourself the same break you’d give them.  
• Focus on your accomplishments.  Banish guilt by taking pride in what you’ve already done – especially if you’re not in a position to actually do the thing you’re ruminating about. 
• Practice acceptance.   Resorting to this mindfulness technique is useful when trying to overcome guilt or shameful feelings.   

---