Handling Problems
When work is going well, life goes well too. When you run into a problem, it can infect your whole mindset. Here are a few examples:
The schedule is going to hell in a handbasket. At this point, it doesn't matter whose fault it is (yours or the client's). What matters is for both of you to admit it, regroup, and agree on a new, realistic schedule. In doing so, look at what caused the schedule to deteriorate and build in ways to overcome these obstacles.
The clients can't agree. One person's vision clashes with another's. And you are in the middle, trying to reach consensus so you can finish the work and get paid. If you have the skills, you can attempt to facilitate a conflict resolution session; or you can inform them that you need to table the project and go on with other work while they reach agreement themselves.
You don't agree with the client. This is more difficult. Client relationships have been severed due to disagreements. Sometimes this is the best outcome, but you need to make a judgment about whether there is room for compromise, you are willing to give in, or you feel okay about losing the job (and possibly the client) over the issue.
Your method falls down. Ouch! Despite your best efforts, your plan isn't working. Spend a minimum of time wearing the hair shirt over this, then move on. Do some research. Seek advice from colleagues. Develop some alternatives. Then 'fess up to the client, putting as positive a face as you can on the matter. A client will react much more positively to your honesty in the middle of the project (combined with a well-thought-out discussion of what you intend to do about it) than to your strong desire to pretend nothing is wrong. Even so, you might need to make contractual or monetary allowances for your mistake.
The client doesn't pay. Sooner or later this problem rears its head to everyone. Of course, make sure you have a standard line in every invoice, something like "Payment is due on receipt. A 1.5% per month late fee is added to payments not received within 30 days." That is allowable by law. Then enforce it. If you don't receive timely payment the first time, you might want to call about it. If it continues to happen, re-invoice the client, adding the late fee. If you still don't get the money, you might need to go to Small Claims court.
Getting Past the Trauma
No matter what the problem is, it is crucial to begin by admitting that you have a problem, then look for the solution. It's amazing how much effort you can employ trying to avoid looking at a problem. It is always better to brainstorm some solutions, then research them. Get help if needed. Using a trusted colleague as a sounding board is an invaluable tactic; you may be so emotionally involved in the situation that your judgment is clouded. Or you may just want to give a test run to an unusual solution before trying it out on the client.
When you are in the middle of assessing a problem and working it out, practice your compartmentalizing skills. It is extremely important that you be able to turn your mind away from the dilemma when you are not at work. Not only is it better for your mental health, but it will help you free your mind to see solutions.