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Learn to delegate
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Five easy steps can help you to bring stress down to a manageable level.
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By Lisa Martin
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Q: I'm trying to juggle my job and my kids. With soccer practices, client meetings and domestic chores, some days I feel completely overwhelmed, unorganized and stressed. What can I do to get this situation under control?
A: Many of us think we can -- and have to -- do it all. When we take on too much, the result is overwhelm and stress. One of the simplest ways to get your situation under control is to ask for help.
The truth is a lot of people never even think to ask for help. We may be conditioned by society to handle things ourselves.
Requesting help can often be a daunting task because we are afraid of appearing vulnerable or needy. And many of us make the mistake of believing that we don't need support because:
1) we're the only ones who can do the job right, and;
2) it'll be faster if we do the task rather than take the time to explain it to someone else.
Here are five easy steps you can take to get support and reduce your stress.
1. Get comfortable with asking for help
Acknowledge that support will help ease your load and make things happen faster. Just becoming aware that you could use some assistance and getting comfortable asking for it, can be the toughest part. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of inner strength and confidence.
2. Be clear
Before you ask for assistance get clear on why and what you are requesting. It is important to know exactly what you want people to do when you approach them. Make a list of all your current needs...emotional, financial and household...and the type of support you require.
3. Get help
Explain your situation to those closest to you and ask for their support. Your family and friends want to see you happy and successful. And when you reach out to them you'll probably find that they'll respond in a loving and caring manner. It is our natural inclination as human beings to want to help each other. Have the courage to stretch outside your comfort zone and ask for help.
4. Hire help or delegate tasks
For example, if you need support with your finances, perhaps you should consider hiring a financial planner. You can hire a housekeeper to take care of household chores or call a babysitter to take care of your children.
5. Take care of yourself
Don't feel that you can't ask others to step in and help you create some space for you. You are worth it.
Lisa Martin is a Vancouver-based personal coach. She shares her Success and Balance Strategies daily with individuals around the world through her Web site, www.successandbalance.com, workshops and one-on-one coaching. Martin coaches executives, entrepreneurs and briefcase moms™ who want more balance, less stress and more success in their professional and personal lives. She has more than 15 years of experience as a facilitator, workshop leader, trainer, consultant, manager, corporate executive and entrepreneur.
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