If you're like me (and most women I know), you are a master multi-tasker. You can do the laundry, feed your baby, and schedule a business appointment over the phone all at the same time without even missing a beat. You can keep working long after you've hit a wall from exhaustion even though lack of sleep makes it hard to keep your eyes open. And you feel like you have to be everything to everyone, so the word "no" is kept in a special box and only taken out as a last resort, when there's just no way you can possibly say yes to one more thing (and even then, sometimes you do anyhow).
I've especially noticed these traits in women who are self employed and work at home. Because the lines are blurred (if they even exist at all) between our personal and professional lives and environments, it's easy to feel like we don't have a "real" job. That belief, as well as the ridiculous assumption that we have to be everything to everybody, can create a level of stress that often exceeds the stress we'd deal with if we were going to an office from nine to five.
In the past year or so, I abruptly lost my long-term business manager (who used to wear several of my business hats for me) and had a disastrous go-round with an attempt to replace her. To be honest, both experiences left me feeling burned and very reluctant to trust anybody to take on too much of the day-to-day running of my business. That meant that, with the exception of my virtual assistant Julie and the ongoing tasks she manages for me, I've been working ten to twelve hours a day as I tried to wear all the hats in my life and business. It's taken a toll and it's time to stop the madness.
So, I'm looking at everything I do now through the lens of whether or not I actually have to do it or I can pay someone else to do it for me. I'm being brutal, and getting everything I possibly can off my plate so I can focus on the higher level work I'm here to do…create programs and products that support others to be successful. That means I'm seriously considering hiring someone to not only manage the day-to-day tasks of my business, but also my life (like laundry, cooking, etc.)
It's not an easy process, because I arrogantly think that no one can do most of what I do better than I do. Even if that's true, does it matter if I'm constantly stressed out and frustrated, grumpy with my family, and just generally overwhelmed? Not in my book.
So, I'm letting things go, settling for "good enough" when it comes to letting someone else take over areas of my life and business, and committing to focusing on the higher level business tasks that require my time and talent. It means I have to be willing to accept a few things:
- Things may not get done in the same time frame or the same way I would get them done, but they will get done.
- Delegating will cost money, and that out of pocket expense is a great investment in the future of my business.
- Letting go doesn't mean it's not still my responsibility, so I have to have accountability in place to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
- I can trust people, I just have to make sure I choose the right people.
- The more responsibility I give someone, the more empowered they are to do a great job.
- Paying someone else to do something they're really good at is a gift to both of us.
So, the question is, what can you delegate? Get really honest with yourself and start keeping a list of things others could do for you. If you don't think you can afford to pay someone, get creative. Do they love your product? Can you barter with them? Can you put your older children, husband, or other family members to work? It's a matter of looking at all of your resources and finding a way to make it work.
I'd love to hear your ideas (below or if you're reading this through an e-mail, click on the title above to join the conversation).
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Julie Anne Jones is a direct sales corporate consultant, coach, and trainer, and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones, Inc. She is known for her authentic and easy-to-use scripting and specializes in specific language and tools for success in direct sales. To learn more about Julie Anne and her products and services, and to read her weekly blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.
