Women around the world turn themselves inside out trying to be all things to all people. Striving to be a great employee; a kind and loving partner; a mother who can deliver everything to their children which they did (or perhaps did not) have while growing up.
This quest for perfection is time-consuming, exhausting and quite frankly, pointless.
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Believe it or not, there is no such thing as perfection, it’s like beauty – in the eye of the beholder. Let me give you an example: At work you may toil tirelessly at a report until you feel it is ‘perfect’, only to find out that it’s not quite what your boss wanted at all and needs to be revised a little.
Be realistic and kind to yourself. Do the very best you can … in the time allocated. Don’t keep going over and over information, putting at risk the next important task to be completed. So Key #1 – Let go of the need for perfection.
Key #2 – Identify your strengths and focus on them. Statistics prove that those who work in careers using their strengths, most of the time, are more productive and far happier. Statistics prove that those who work in careers using their strengths, most of the time, are more productive and far happier Don’t know how to work out what you’re good at? There’s a few ways – we use Extended Disc, however, there’s a multitude of other Psychometric tests out there to try you can use; or if you’re looking for a really simple way – as a rule of thumb whatever you do which gives you great pleasure or satisfaction while you’re doing that task (work or pleasure), if the time just flies by and in the end you still feel energised and happy, then that’s a strength!
Key #3 – Take control of your own career. You need to become very clear on what you need to do to create the life that suits you and your circumstances. If it needs to include flexible hours, then approach your employer. Just because they may not offer flexible hours at present, does not mean they won’t consider it when asked. Only you can decide what is important to you and only you can make it happen. If you are a working mother, this must include having a ‘wingman’ or two. It could be your partner, family or reliable friends who you can call on if something goes pear-shaped! And trust me, that’s what life’s about, managing the peaks and troughs.
Key #4 – Ensure you have downtime. Unless you make time for yourself, you can’t give to others. You owe it to yourself, your family, friends and/or work colleagues to stay healthy, well and happy. Whatever helps with your health and wellbeing whether it be baths, facials, playing music, reading, walking alone on the beach – make it a non-negotiable priority!
So there you have it – use these four steps and you can create a life of Happiness and Success uniquely tailored to your circumstances.
Glenise Anderson
Glenise Anderson is the Chief Confidence Chick at Self Confident Women, a personal development company helping women around the world create a better life.
Featured image: Taylor Dawn Fortune