...Or in some cases let there be white space.Whether you are leading your business, life or family, I suggest exercising more of just one behavior that can make all the difference: manage the white space. This means:

• Giving yourself more breathing room

• Exercising the option to say no more

• Not jam-packing your day by scheduling every minute

If you're like me - a recovering perfectionist - I sometimes schedule down time - I block an hour or two, a day or a week.Allow downtime where you do things to foster:

• Insight

• Integration

• Reflection

• Creativity

• Renewal and Energy

If you can't manage yourself and your own energy, then you can't manage or lead your constituents: whether they are your board, employees, customers, spouse or children.

Since all relationships ultimately are connected to the relationship you have with yourself, and you are all you can control - it starts and ends with you.

The white space is the seed that ultimately leads to being more present. The ability to be more present will give you all the rest: answers and support you need to manage whatever comes up this year.If 2011 was a year of challenge and transformation, 2012 promises to be a year of possibility - integrating and solving the seemingly impossible…magic!