I have to admit it's really easy for me to get in the same shape. I like only having one project next to my sewing machine at a time (sewing room), one hand project for watching TV with hubby/traveling (Den), and there's always a top on the longarm (sewing room)...but that's it. Any more and I get overwhelmed. I don't want to look a pile of UFO's or see a 'list' everyday...I did that for 30 years (work)!
So - I put all other projects w/any pieces into a closet, each in a box/bag. I don't make a list, just a pile. A list makes me feel pressured - and this is a fun hobby, not work! I don't want to see the pile either, as it can add to the pressure. This way, I'm working only on one sewing project at a time, and I never think or commit to the next one until I'm ready to sew the borders onto the top of the current one! This keeps me thinking about current project and not overwhelmed with the 'list'. And when i get to the point on the current one where I allow myself to think about the next project, it keeps the new one fresh for me, and I get excited about it all over again! That is really why I don't even shop/gather all the complete project pieces until the border is ready for the current one. I don't do 'kits' either - takes part of the fun away for me. It's nice, and fun, when I get to shop/think/research/dream about the next upcoming one! Keeps me interested, not overwhelmed or over-obligated.
And I don't let people pressure me - ever! That's just not right.
This is just what works for me :)
Debbie in Austin