1.    Acknowledge that you are human and there are only 24 hours in each day.   Prioritise your 'to do' list and choose 3 things each day to focus on.  Avoid distractions and negotiate deadlines on any new tasks which come in or delegate them.

2.    Use your time wisely and avoid wasting time on distractions.   'Is this REALLY what I need to be doing right now?'   You'll be surprised how many times this simple technique brings you back on track and focuses your energy where it needs to be.

3.    Understand the difference between perfectionism and high standards.   Perfectionism is not a strength.   It causes avoidable stress and makes additional work for everyone concerned.   There's a mile of difference between perfectionism and high standards.   Maintain your high standards, but learn to let go when enough is enough.

4.    Resist the temptation to fill every waking hour and to pack as much in as possible without breaks.   First of all, it is inefficient as studies have shown and secondly, it causes unbelievable and avoidable stress.   All it takes is one small thing to go wrong and your entire day collapses like a row of dominoes.   So build in time for delays and the unforeseen and take short breaks throughout your day.   You'll be more productive and think more clearly.

5.    Spreading yourself too thinly rarely does anyone any favours - especially you - and causes a lot of avoidable stress.   Be prepared to say a polite 'no' or negotiate if you feel you will do a job badly as a result of committing.   Bat the ball back and think before taking on yet another task.   Sometimes you do more of a favour by refusing to do something than you realise.

6.    Brilliant as you are, the whole world does not revolve around you and you are often doing people more of a favour when you allow them to fend for themselves.   Learn the art of delegation and take the time to teach people who work with you.   It may take a little longer now, but not only will they be of more help to you in the long run, you are instrumental in helping them learn and develop, which will aid their motivation and their value to you.

7.    Manage expectations realistically.   We often tell people what they want to hear rather than what is reasonable.   It is better to under promise and over deliver than the other way round and you'll gain respect.

8.    Focus on what's working and remain positive.   Being negative does not support you or make you feel any better.   If something is a challenge, look for the solutions and make a change NOW.   Procrastination only puts off the inevitable and causes additional stress.                        

9.    Learn to breathe and relax - it's a massively powerful resource, reduces stress, improves performance, regulates blood pressure and boosts your immune system amongst numerous other benefits.   Half an hour a day will change your life.

10.  Put yourself first.  Feeling good about your life starts with you.   So look after yourself and put yourself in the driver's seat.  It's time to start treating yourself with more respect and kindness - and it pays dividends.   It's called 'Superhumanity' and it's the title of my book.   If you want to order advance copies, let me have your email.

  You are welcome to reproduce this article, provided you include a weblink to www.breathingspacetherapies.com and include the following "This article is Copyright of Soul2Soul Coach, Annie Lawler, Breathing Space Therapies, London UK.  For more information contact Annie on annie@breathingspacetherapies.com or +44 (0)772 581 8884."   Please inform me by email in advance on annie@breathingspacetherapies.com 

As always, I welcome your feedback and input.  If there's something you'd like to hear about, a question you have, feedback on how you have used these hints and tips or if there is a topic you'd like me to cover, please let me know on annie@breathingspacetherapies.com.

With love

Annie x