Are you Super Woman? (Or Superman)

I saw a bumper sticker awhile back that said, “I am woman. I am invincible. I am tired.” That sure sums up the way most of us live our lives. Who says we have to be perfect and do it all? Just because we can have and do anything we want does not mean that we must do everything! We especially can’t do it all at once. Cut yourself and your fellow man/woman some slack. Just stop the madness!

THE INBOX WILL NEVER BE EMPTY and THE TO-DO LIST WILL NEVER BE FINISHED!

But wait, aren’t we supposed to be trying to be more efficient, to get more done each day, to reach all of our goals. Well, yes, but… and it’s a huge but… We are not supposed to be working ourselves into a frenzied existence of poor health, unbearable stress, self-flagellation and discontent. THAT IS NOT A PRODUCTIVE LIFE.

Pace yourself. Take a breath. Have some fun along the way.

Kiss Super Woman goodbye! Let’s shoot for “Efficient, reliable, creative, hard working and fun, but not perfect” instead. Yeah, that’s what I’m shooting for. The cape was never really a flattering accessory anyway.

To get us started down the path here are some strategies we can use to make the shift:

• Let go of the idea that you can do it all.
• Ask for help! (Or delegate if you must.)
• Be flexible – things come up, priorities change, plans fall apart.
• Laugh at yourself – it’s a must.
• Repeat after me – “I’m sorry, but no.” It gets easier with practice…lots of practice.

Come on, give it a try. What have you got to lose? Perhaps a little stress!