When doing it all doesn’t add up, delegate
In 2018 I decided to get an MBA because a master’s degree was on my bucket list. I wanted to disprove the notion that “math isn’t really my thing.” But instead of proving to myself that I could “do math,” I discovered the power of delegation.
I learned a lot during the MBA program.
But the biggest lesson was that my real struggle is solving a very simple equation:
There are only so many hours in the day + I’m only allotted a certain amount of energy = I can’t do it all.
It was so liberating to finally understand from a numbers perspective that there is an X factor. There is an optimal use of my time and it doesn’t include mastery of anything outside my natural abilities.
It makes sense to spend time digging in deep to understand the tools for finding a solution, the path to finding answers, and the people who can help me – but it’s a total waste of resources to try to be something I’m not or someone I don’t enjoy being.
Do what you do best, and realize the power of delegation
Delegation frees you up to do what you do best.
I love numbers, but in a paint-by-number kinda way.
What I love more are the math whizzes who are my go-to’s.
Generally, I know the problems I must solve and the data required to tell my story.
But now, I know that it’s o.k. to let someone else extract the data.
It’s even better to find a subject matter expert whose passion is writing complex formulas to shape a quantifiable story.
Now when I’m faced with a challenging task plus a crunch for time, I don’t assume it’s MY “to-do” right out of the gate.
Instead, I consider the simple math, “There are only 24 hours in a day…” and then, I delegate.
Discovering the power of delegation takes an upfront investment
Enlisting help from others is not all a bed of roses. In fact, delegation can be a rose full of thorns.
Do your children fold clothes as neatly as you? Vacuum the whole house as quickly as you can? Can your spouse load the dishwasher with common sense? Do your team member at work see the big picture, while also paying attention to detail?
The investment in delegation can cost more time and effort upfront, but I assure you, the math works out once you add in the variable of your sanity over time.
As you get into the habit of delegating more, you’ll learn that perfection is almost never a requirement for success or for greater peace of mind.
Next time your math isn’t working out and you’re frustrated by getting outcomes that don’t align to your desires—look at your inputs.
If you largely spend your time doing things that frustrate you + resenting others for not contributing, you’ll end up feeling frustrated and resentful, ultimately leading to burnout.
Do the things you love and look for others to do the things you don’t love and remember, everyone should bear the burden of laundry and tedious work reports.
The power of delegation is simple math. Delegation decreases frustration.
LoveLifeLinks.com believes you can free up time to do what you love by learning the power of delegation.
Remember, you can feel love anywhere. Anytime. All the time.
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