The Problem with Packing

The problem with packing is this term called "packing light" and it's something that makes a lot of sense until I start to lay out my clothes and see just how many things I was planning on bringing. As with most things, the problem lies in the space between the ideal and the actual.
I have what you could call Chronic Overpacker Syndrome. I truly believe its some sort of mental anomaly created to make your travel life difficult. I run through every possible scenario in my head and every single item of clothing I could possibly need for it, resulting in the mountain of clothes that's waiting for me while I take a break to type this.
Given the bad experience I had while flying to Boston that involved almost missing my connecting flight due to a mix-up with checked bags, I'm trying to get everything into a carry-on sized suitcase, but it's proving difficult as my Chronic Overpacking Syndrome has kicked into overdrive.
I've compiled a list of steps for a successful packing experience, should you be traveling in the near future. Your welcome. :)

Packing with Kara Russell
1. Think. What's the bare minimum you can bring? Got that number? Ok, multiply it by 10.
2. Lay some stuff out. In the process of laying stuff out, notice all the items of clothing you forgot about in Step 1 and lay those out too.
3. Leave a gigantic mound of clothes on your bed for a few days while you mull it all over. (Bonus points if you make your mom really mad about the huge mess)
4. Start to put things in a suitcase. Realize that no way no how is all this gonna fit. Try to justify your earlier reasoning for putting it out in the first place. You never know when you're going to need five different scarves, right?
5. Ridicule yourself. Stop being ridiculous. I bet you won't even use half of this! Besides, you're only going to be gone for five weeks. (This step usually works better for weekend trips as it confirms the Law of Travel which states the shorter the period of time you are gone, the more stuff you will need)
6. Put away some clothes sadly because it feels like you're personally insulting the ones you don't take. Remind yourself that it's ok because clothes do not, in fact, have feelings.
7. Nibble on some dark chocolate. Studies show that an antioxidant boost increases good "packing light" vibes.
8. Refreshed, you can repeat Step 6 until your suitcase is only slightly overflowing. Zip up your suitcase and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
9. Think of five more super important items you missed and just barely mash them into the nonexistent space into your suitcase.
10. Congrats! You made it! This packing light thing's a piece of cake. Bring it on, overhead bins!