1. Decide Right Now To Expect Nothing. Of course you can live "down" to expectations. In this context, however, it means to not get so hung up on needing, wanting, striving, wishing, and pursuing that you miss what's right in front of you. Setting goals to move you towards what you want is definitely, vitally important. But what is good and sweet and wonderful in your life right now? What are you missing out on by expecting something better to be around next corner?

2. Let Some Long-Standing, Idealistic Goals Go. This can be most freeing thing you do, and a tremendous sense of relief. Always wanted to be world's first perfect parent? Are you disappointed in yourself because you haven't yet won Pulitzer Prize? Are you comparing yourself to body of a runway model? Does your marriage lack romance of daytime soap operas? It's time to get over these types of unrealistic goals. Allow yourself to be human.

3. Truly Accept that Failure is The Only Way To Succeed. There's a famous quote that says, "the only place where success comes before work is in dictionary." The story goes that famous basketball player Michael Jordan was cut from his high school team because he wasn't good enough. History would have been very different if he had let "failure" stop him from working hard at what he wanted to do. Practice patience. Practice failure. Practice. Practice. Practice.

1. Don't answer phone. Isn't that why God made answering machines and teenagers? Take calls on YOUR schedule instead of everyone else's. Ask friends and family not to call during certain hours. Don't be rude; just explain that you're trying to make your time work for you instead of against you. We all have same 24 hours. You can either live it according to everyone else's schedule, or you can decide when and how you will use your own time. Put life on YOUR schedule, instead of just reacting to next thing that catches your attention.

2. Don't accept an invitation to a party. If it's one Saturday you have free that month, and you really want to spend it alone with your spouse, or working on a personal project, say no thank you with love and grace. By saying no to others, you have said yes to your marriage and to yourself. Remember that you always have options, and you are always at choice. It's unrealistic to think that everyone will hate you if you don't attend a party. Don't lose sight of big picture.

3. Don't make bed. No, this is not an invitation to become Mr&Ms. Sloppy. While I'm a 100% advocate on how a cluttered environment affects a cluttered mind, all I'm really suggesting here is to dump "good girl/good guy" routine for a while. And don't use excuse, "that's just way I am." Try retraining yourself to be a little looser. Does it really matter if you leave dishes in sink? Or does it really matter that you spend extra 5 minutes listening to your child's story. Realize that you are still just as loveable even if you aren't perfect.