Instead of "I feel bad", classify: "frustrated", "disappointed", "exhausted".

Define where your "good enough" is on a 0-100 ruler, to know when to stop.

Sort tasks on urgent/important axes and treat each quadrant with its rule.

In news writing: most important first, important next, extra last — reader gets it even if stops mid-way.

Do not commit on the spot. Request 24 hours to think before any new obligation.

Before any delegation, answer 7 questions in writing — send them with the handover.

Every time you catch yourself doing a task, ask: who else? And why didn't they?

Decline any meeting without a written agenda — politely cancel and request one.

Dedicate five full days for a focused team to solve one problem at the root — not an hour-a-week meeting for months.

Say firm "no" with warm "I understand" — Janet Lansbury's classic formula.

Offer only two choices for each small decision — respecting his autonomy without losing yours.