Take Cherie Blair, for example. She is a top QC and a renowned human-rights campaigner - all while being a PM's wife, a nation's First Lady, and a mother to four. Then there is that other well-known, so-called 'superwoman' Nicola Horlick. She has raised a family of five, become a City high-flyer and started her own finance firm.

In the arts section we have Darcey Bussell, who is now considered one of the great ballet dancers, while in the sports arena, Emma Richards became the first woman and the youngest person to complete Around Alone in 2003, a solo round-the-world yacht race.

Clearly these women, like millions of others, have reached their professional goals. And so can you.

Define your destination
You recognise that you must know where you want to go with your career in order to get there. But when was the last time you thought: 'Where do I really hope to be in five years time?' Glenda Stone, CEO of Aurora Gender Capital Management, an organisation that seeks to accelerate women's careers and businesses, offers some advice on how to best answer that question. She says to base it on your own personal aspirations and not on those of anyone else.

Become a believer
To turn your aims into action naturally you must have faith in your abilities and potential. Many people swear that quietly chanting 'I can do this' gives them self-confidence. Others avoid mantras but embrace mind games. Carol Gaskell of The Life Coaching Company recommends a tried and true one. Recall a challenge you rose to; when you most need a boost, refer to this memory and tell yourself: 'If I can do that, I can do this.'

Look as though you take yourself seriously
Positive thinking will, of course, only get you so far. To help propel yourself further forward, take on the appearance of someone who is going places. Wear something that flatters and emboldens you, then pull your shoulders back, hold your head straight and walk tall. 'This,' says Judi James, author of BodyTalk At Work, 'sends out to your boss a simple but effective message.'

Act as though you take yourself seriously
In The Rules Of Work, Richard Temlar suggests how to push that message further. 'Adopt the mannerisms, attitudes and traits of the position above you.' He continues: 'If you already appear as if you've been promoted, chances are you will be.'

Prove that others should take you seriously
One way to impress those around you is to exceed their expectations of you. Getting even more done in even less time can help you to do this. Karen Charlesworth from the Chartered Management Institute and Peninah Thomson from the workplace consultancy The Change Partnership offers tips on maximising your efficiency.
Clear your desk and sort out your files Regain control of your email in-tray - only check it three times a day Delete all unwanted emails and organise the rest Use voicemail to create interruption-free time Delegate where possible Learn to say 'no' Avoid procrastination Take regular breaks, drink plenty of water, try to get fresh air and simple exercise Set a daily task list, prioritise it and do your utmost to stick to it Make better use of down time

Ask for what you deserve
Recent research has confirmed something that many of us already know to be true. Women are slow to seek out more pay. Linda Babcock of Carnegie Mellon University in the US has found that 57% of male graduates ask for extra money, while only 7% of females pop the same question. So, remember your rights and your value, then prepare your case, choose your moment and go for it.

Pace yourself throughout
We all realise that achieving in our career is hard work and we all understand that to cope we have to be able to handle stress. One of the quickest ways to alleviate the feeling of pressure is to take five long, deep breaths. This won't make the problem go away, but will clarify your mind so you can better decide what to do next.