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Katy Marriott's avatar

One thing I learned, from the amazing and inspirational conductor Ben Zander, was to allow myself a certain number of mistakes in a performance (knowing that later they will feel wholly unimportant). Instead of panicking or beating myself up, I just count them ("Heh; there's one - never mind!"). Works for many aspects of life; frees one from the curse of perfectionism, which is catastrophic when several stressors hit you at once.

Fingers crossed for your house sale!

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Martin Prior's avatar

Hi Katy. Really like that one. It’s incredible when you look back at the things that seemed so important in the moment that now seem so silly.

Great tip.

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Chris Anselmo's avatar

Thank you for sharing this behind-the-scenes look at your week. Sorry it was so stressful but glad you got through it! I don't know if there's any one strategy that helps me when life throws everything at me. I'd say focusing on the immediate task at hand helps best. Sort of like what you did. As soon as I think about everything in totality, it gets overwhelming.

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Martin Prior's avatar

Thanks Chris.

I find I can reach a tipping point where there’s just too much process. The old drips in a cup that eventually gets full and overflows.

Knocking things off one by one works as long as you do that before the overwhelm bits

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Michael Woudenberg's avatar

There's a silly phrase I find works for me that sounds like this a lot. Everything will be OK in the end.... If it's not OK, it's not the end.

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Martin Prior's avatar

Nice! I like that.

I think that works - I guess if it was the end, really the end, then it wouldnt matter anyway?

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Richard Holloway's avatar

Martin, your piece really got me thinking and I can completely relate to the points you make.

Over the years, I’ve had more than a few weeks like you describe. I’m certain I’m not alone in your readers as well.

Experience has taught me these few little tricks to get by.

1. If at all possible try and keep the issues out of my head and if they do get in, try to keep them separate.

2. I try to remind myself that more often than not, it’s the fear of a possible outcome, rather than a guaranteed one that keeps us awake at night.

3. If all else fails, tackle one problem at a time, starting with the most critical.

4. Take it one day at a time as well, you’ll be amazed just how far you can go.

5. Ask yourself, is this a fact or a feeling.

Many times it’s about changing the narrative and your perception of an issue.

6. Protect your sleep at all costs.

7. Don’t drink. Solutions are not found at the bottom of a Johnny Walker bottle, whatever the color.

All very simple.

None easy at all.

Good luck 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

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Martin Prior's avatar

Great tips Richard. The temptation to crack open the wine is strong but that never helps. 👍🏻

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Heather Hoskison's avatar

3,4 6,7.....

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Heather Hoskison's avatar

It's when every week is like this, it becomes an issue....

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Martin Prior's avatar

Yes, the drip drip stress can be more impactful than one off bursts.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

It's so easy to get overwhelmed, and you had numerous occasions on which to take part! But you got through and with good balance for the future. Here's to luck w/ your house back on the market, and glad you're already seeing new interest!!

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Martin Prior's avatar

Thanks Jeanine. Really keeping everything crossed for the house. The people we are buying from appear happy to wait so hopefully we can slot in a new buyer of the next week. Will keep you informed!

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Lisa Cunningham DeLauney's avatar

Breaking things down into manageable chunks, and building in downtime, preferably exercise in nature are essential for me.

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