Daily Spread...or not?

I've felt like I'm on the verge of burning out. This is something I do frequently: I work at 100+ % for a very short time without rest and then I stop and give up. With the tarot, I'm working very hard to learn and it's been a series of frustrations the last few days...cards I can't make sense of, spreads gone awry, and some relatively rude comments in places they aren't warranted.

Tonight, I decided to play with my deck some before I did my IDS card, and instead of doing a spread I thought I might ask some simple questions. Some questions were poorly worded, but this deck does an excellent job of answering the question I'm after even if I've managed to ask it in a less than stellar way. As it turns out, this was a constructive exercise and I was happy with my study later, even if it was very short.

Why am I in such a funk?: 5 of Pentacles
Despair. Injured and (alone) in the cold. I'm the little one with the crutch who doesn't seem to acknowledge the companion in this card. The elder fox is looking concerned but pulling her cloak closer. Not sure what to do for the little one. I'm focused inward, and my friends don't know how to help me, so we all withdraw just a little while still side-by-side. Loss.

Is this (despair) going to get better?: 2 of Pentacles reversed
The waves are dominant in this orientation, as is the darker color. The pentacle farthest from the body is on top but the juggler fox still seems confident. It's overwhelming right now, but I can balance it. I take this to mean it won't really get better but I can deal with it.

Are my letters a good idea...~should I keep writing them~?: 7 of Wands reversed
'And all the wands fell away!' came instantly to mind. After much research, I think this is a message of perseverance. Not a yes/no answer because the question was not meant to be yes/no. Do not be discouraged. On this card, I went looking for answers elsewhere. I have been vacillating on this issue the last few days, and my ultimate options are strictly dichotomous...as are the interpretations on this card. My initial reaction was positive, but I was concerned I might be wishful thinking an interpretation into my question. Time will tell, but for now I am comforted.

How can I avoid burning out (on my IDS)?: 5 of Wands reversed
Stop fighting it. It shouldn't feel like a struggle. From AT:

Changes and challenges that confront one's strength and determination and sense of self in such a way that irritates and depletes confidence and saps ones strength or courage...

Revel in small victories, and be courageous/self-confident. Stand on your head and be chaotic without getting in your own way. (This comes from earlier in my journal, how the 5 of Wands reversed looks like the frogs are standing on their heads. They're still a mess but at least they aren't in each others' way any more.)

5's, Pentacles, Wands, and reversals. Learning from loss. Being passionate while remaining practical.