Life is hard enough without piling more and more expectations on yourself. It's like trying to diet in a chocolate factory! Instead try these 7 ways to help you lighten up, reduce worry, and give yourself a break. You'll come out on the other side with a simpler, happier, easier life.

1. Decide Right Now To Expect Nothing.

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 the next corner?

2. Let Some Long-Standing, Idealistic Goals Go.

Always wanted to be the world's first perfect parent? Are you comparing yourself to the body of a runway model? Does your marriage lack the 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.

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.

4. Make Peace With Something That You Already Know.

What is in your life today that you know is probably going to catch up to you and cause you big trouble 6 months from now? Overspending? Looking outside your marriage for comfort? A health problem you're ignoring? Make peace with what's going on in your life now and put a plan in motion to deal with it. You'll feel years lighter right away!

5. Find Your Real Self Again.

Do you do things just because other people expect you to? Are you living up to your higher life goals, or just getting through the day? Is your life a true reflection of what you believe in? Stop trying to be who or what you think you ought to be, and instead be willing to accept both your talents and your weaknesses. Then take full responsibility for how they affect you and other people in your life.

6. Find Out What Your Really Want Out of Life.

Sounds simple doesn't it. Everybody knows what they want out of life – or do they? Living your life based on your true life goals allows you to focus your energy and achieve much more. Otherwise you become a pinball in the game of life.

7. Organize Your Life-Style to Support The Life You Want.

Once you've determined what you really want and how your real self plays a part in that, and let go of some idealistic goals, you are ready to restructure your life to be a more genuine expression of who you are. Being comfortable in your own skin and own goals makes life instantly easier, less stressful, and outright more fun!