Mahatma Ghandi advised his followers to "become the change you want to see in the world" and through this invaluable insight, led the successful change to independence for India.

One of the most stressful situations we create for ourselves at home and at work is that we want changes from others and become frustrated when those changes don't take place. We want our bosses, our children, our spouses and our friends to change. We want our looks to change, our health to change.

Develop the habit of embracing change and being the first one to step up to that plate? Here are a few new ways to become our own agents of change to transform, empower and enlighten your path to a less stressful lifestyle.

Become the Change You Want with Your Spouse:

- Become Your Spouse's Role Model. Instead of expecting your spouse to be more forgiving, become more forgiving yourself. Your actions will inspire your spouse.

- Make the Word Flexibility Your Mantra. When things don't go according to plan, tell yourself (repeatedly): 'I will be more flexible.' It works!

- Change Your Own Mind. Instead of trying to change a spouse's mind about where to go, what to do or how to get things done, ask the question of yourself first, but from your spouse's point of view. You might discover you will have already changed your mind before you ask the question.

Become the Change You Want with Your Child:

- Change Your Age. Imagine yourself at your child's age. Instead of always making demands from a parent's point of view, first consult your inner child. Using creativity, describe what you would like from a perspective another would resonate with? Can you incorporate new understanding and empathy in your relationship?

- Listen. Don't let your role as a caretaker overwhelm your time and ability to listen to your child. Make the decision to schedule time every day to just listen.

- Confess. Take time off from the stress of trying to be a perfect parent, and confess to your child that you make mistakes. You will teach your child that it's okay to admit to mistakes and learn from them.

Key Steps to Become the Change Where You Work:

- Organize. Poor organization skills will only add to workplace frustration and drain your productivity. Begin your next day at work by coming in 15 minutes early to organize your desk, throw out old files, make a "to do" list and add an extra touch of cheer -- a new picture, a fresh flower, or just a happy note addressed to yourself.

- Empathize. If you can't get your boss to understand what you want, change your viewpoint. Consider how your supervisor views your needs. If you are the boss, look at your demands from your employee's viewpoint. Empathy can go a long way toward boosting productivity and eliminating workplace stress.

- Take Action. If you want better working conditions or a change of schedules, ask. Prepare your arguments, rehearse and refine them, then ask. The worst that can happen is that you will be told no. If you really dislike your job, take action to schedule 30 minutes at home every evening to network with peers and start looking for that better job.

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