When it comes to time management, the truth is you can’t “manage time” but you can Manage how you USE your time!!
You can either waste it away on stuff that truly in the grand scheme doesn’t matter, OR you can focus on things that pull your life, personal development, relationships and freedom forward…
When I talk to clients about delegating, quite frankly many get their panties in a bunch. The resistance pops up and excuses start oozing out all over the place…
They sound something like this:
- I don’t have anyone to do…
- No one knows how to do this quite like me…
- You just don’t understand…
- It’s going to take me forever to show someone else what to do…
- I like things perfect…
- I tried that before and it didn’t go very well…
- I don’t know where to even start…
- I can’t afford it…
Guess what?? I totally understand! That was me too. I would never tell or dare ask anyone to do something for me. Except of course have my husband take out the trash… but that doesn’t really count because he did that on his own anyway! But the thing that was becoming clearer and clearer in my life is that I couldn’t have a balanced life and business without getting support.
(This also works for people who have a “go to” job) (You know, go to work. Go to the office. Go to the hospital.)
So I am going to share with you…the exact process I use when signing on new clients. These are people who are overwhelmed and feel as if they’re never catching up. They often feel guilty that things are falling apart in one area of their life, or they falsely believe they have to choose between family and career.
1. The first step in this process really starts with questioning all of your responsibilities…
What are all the things I am responsible for doing in a given day/week/month. And I mean list everrrrrything! From writing blogs to stocking the house with TP!
2. Once you’re done with that list, break it down into household tasks, business tasks, personal tasks and family needs.
3. Review your list and with a highlighter, highlight the things you actually Want to do or Enjoy doing…
So for me for example I like writing, teaching, networking, meal planning, cooking only 3-4 x a week, decorating my home, spending time with my family, lots of date nights, football… (That’s a quick overview just to get you motivated)
4. Next with a different color highlighter, start crossing off stuff you Hate doing! Those are the first things to go!
5. Next (new color) are the things you can do but someone can certainly do it faster and even better than you.
6. Last will be the stuff that is just getting in your way!! Be careful, this step is only for those who have successfully delegated in the past or trullly know the value of outsourcing all things that do not bring you revenue or true Bliss! ( But you don’t need to start there… start off small)
Now that you have identified all the things you are currently responsible for, in what area can you get support right away?
• Who can you ask for help?
• Is there anyone you can delegate to?
• Is there a service or shortcut you can use?
• Can you barter?
• Can you teach someone in your home or office how to take something off your plate?
It doesn’t have to be overly complicated, you just need to trust in yourself and allow yourself to accept the help, because you truly are deserving…
Learning how to delegate is like exercising!! When you first start out, you might be sore afterwards, but the more you do it the stronger you become! And man ohhh man… it feels so good to see how your life transforms.
A skilled, “multi-tasking” mother of four, Kellyann Schaefer is owner of Task Complete℠, a personal errand and concierge service. Kelly made a career in nursing for many years as an RN. During her tenure as a nurse, she honed her organizational skills and became adept at balancing a busy household while administering compassionate care to her patients. In business today, she upholds a mission of giving families and busy professionals reliable and compassionate assistance so they can meet the demands of everyday life.