So during a coaching session a client slipped into conversation that they were reading “If in doubt, wash your hair’ by Dame Anya Hindmarch (the eponymous fashion accessories’ designer amongst many other accomplishments). I loved the title and was intrigued, so promptly zapped it to my kindle and ploughed through the pages.

As well as being CEO of a global business, Anya is Mother of five so I readily accepted she knows a thing or two about efficiency.

And she does not disappoint. Marketed as a manual for life, there are some excellent practical tips around juggling a busy professional and family life.
As I have been preparing for Christmas (yes really, only 104 days to go people!) I particularly loved the idea of her ‘Christmas Contract’.

The ‘Christmas Contract’ is the arrangement that her five children are given equal sums of money to buy their own presents. The rule? These are to be sent directly to the parents, unseen to be opened on Christmas day. Genius. A win win for all.

Whilst I appreciate there may be an outcry from some for all sorts of legitimate reasons, what I love is Anya’s creativity to avoid burnout. To prioritise health and well-being above all else. To ensure the home fires keep burning whilst enjoying a fulfilling professional life. And perhaps more significantly, not caring what others think.