1. Take criticism personally.

When someone tells you that you've done something wrong, that a piece of work isn't up to scratch, that you look tired, that you made a mistake or that they don't like what you're wearing ? take it all on board.

Recognise that other people are able to look objectively at what's happening, so they're better placed to tell you the truth. They're most probably right and what do you know anyway?

2. Think that every challenge is bigger than you

Face it; there are some tasks you're just not up to. Landing that exciting new job, getting a promotion, taking on the ?big project? or building a relationship that really works ? these are all big challenges and you don't want to bite off more than you can chew.

Some things are just bigger than you are, so it's better to take on small stuff that you know you can do.

3. Focus on what you're worst at

You might be pretty poor at creative thinking. You might stink at financial planning. You might be rubbish at presenting or you might suck at taking part in high-pressure meetings.

It's good to know what you're not good at so that you can avoid doing those things. The more you look at the areas you're weakest in the easier it is to steer clear of them.

4. Make sure there's very little ?You? time

Life's busier than ever, right? You've got loads going on at work, loads happening with friends and all kinds of demands on your time. The best thing to do is to plan things out so that you can do everything. It's good to be busy and running around after everyone else will mean that everyone's happy and nobody will have a problem with you. It's a win-win!

5. Let your imagination run riot

Life always has something nasty up its sleeve, so it's a good idea to look at all the things that could go wrong.

It's much better to think about what could happen than have it come along out of the blue and blindside you. You don't want to be picking up the pieces all the time, so let your imagination figure out all the things that can go wrong so that you know what might happen ahead of time.

6. Stay right where you are

How many times have you taken a chance, only for things to go wrong? How many times have you grasped an opportunity only for it to slip between your fingers?

There's always another screw-up waiting for you, so it's better to stay right where you are. Where you are right now is a known quantity ? it's safe, warm and comfortable. Doesn't that sound better than going out there, screwing up and looking stupid?

7. Set your expectations low

Set your expectations high and you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Have high expectations of yourself and what you can do and you're in line for the biggest of reality checks.

Things rarely turn out as you want them to, so set your expectations low so that you don't end up more disappointed than necessary.

Follow these simple steps and I guarantee that in 14 days you'll be feeling so crappy you won't want to get out of bed in the morning. And who wouldn't want to spend all day in bed ? nice result!