Over the next few weeks I am going to be sharing with you my top 20 tips to help you manage and reduce levels of stress.
In the modern western civilised part of the world, we have created a stressful environment in which to live. Despite the demands from other people, whether it be family, friends or colleagues; the greatest demands and pressures are usually exerted from within.
Stress tip no 1 is to be realistic about yourself. Perfection takes a lot of time and is usually unnecessary and unrealistic. The constant search for perfection can be draining physically and mentally. Its often unachievable too which can then make you feel like a failure. People with perfectionist tendencies can become anxious and even depressed because they are not achieving the high levels of performance they demand from themselves. They often forget their successes and just focus on what they have not achieved yet.
Its good to strive to be the best that we can be but it is necessary sometimes to accept that time or other pressures do not allow you to provide a rolls royce service and that the Skoda will get the job done.
Its also important to accept that imperfect is good because it means that there is always room for improvement. It means that big shocks can occur in the sporting world such as my team Leeds beating the mighty Manchester United in the FA cup a few weeks ago. It means that you can enjoy a piece of music or perhaps a vocalist because his or her voice is unique or perhaps quirky rather than having a perfect singing voice.
It was mentioned on a recent TV documentary about Brian Eno that since the advent of drum machines that drummers have become more machine like in performance whereas there used to be more different styles of drumming.
When the Navaho Indians weave their beautiful rugs and blankets they always leave a knot, a tiny imperfection so that the gods will not be angered and think that the weaver is trying to be a god.
If you have a tendency towards perfection you might want to consider lowering your expectations, learn to accept mistakes as useful learning and feedback and instead of trying to do too much concentrate on doing a few things well!
Look out for my next tip on the ability to delegate.
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