Summer is the perfect time to hit pause, recharge, and rethink how we’re managing the endless demands of work, family, health, and personal growth. It’s a moment to ask: Are we setting ourselves up for a successful 2025, or are we caught in the trap of trying to do it all?
Let’s Talk Delegation and Outsourcing
Let’s face it—delegating and outsourcing can be life-changing, yet so many of us hesitate to embrace them. These strategies free up time and energy for the things that truly matter—whether that’s excelling at work, enjoying more time with loved ones, or focusing on your health and wellbeing. Think about it: cleaning the house, prepping meals, childcare, grocery shopping, or even work tasks like data entry—could someone else handle these for you?
Try This: The Delegation Map
- Brain Dump Your Tasks: Jot down everything you do in a typical week. Work stuff, chores, errands—everything.
- Sort Them Out: Put these tasks into four groups:
- “Essential and Energizing”
- “Essential but Draining”
- “Non-Essential but Enjoyable”
- “Non-Essential and Draining”
- Spot the Delegation Goldmines: Look closely at the “Essential but Draining” and “Non-Essential and Draining” tasks. These are the ones to offload.
- Make a Plan: Can a colleague handle that report? Could you hire a cleaner or order groceries online? Maybe set up autopay for recurring bills?
- Keep Tweaking: Life changes, so revisit your map often to make sure it still works for you.
Why Is Letting Go So Tough?
If delegating feels hard, you’re not alone. Here’s why it trips us up:
- Perfectionism: The nagging thought that “no one can do it as well as I can.”
- Control Issues: Worrying about outcomes makes handing over tasks feel risky.
- Guilt: Thanks to societal pressure, many of us feel like we’re “failing” if we’re not doing everything ourselves.
- Trust Deficit: Maybe you’ve been let down before, or you’re unsure about someone else’s abilities.
Here’s the truth: Delegation isn’t about passing the buck. It’s about choosing where your energy will have the biggest impact.
Breaking Free from “Do It All” Culture
Despite being more educated and capable than ever, women often feel the weight of outdated expectations. Research shows we’re still handling more than our fair share of unpaid domestic and emotional labour. It’s exhausting and can hold us back from reaching our full potential.
But here’s the good news: When we challenge these norms—by sharing the load, setting boundaries, and seeking support—we can create lives that are not just successful but deeply satisfying.
Your Summer Challenge
So, here’s a challenge for you this summer:
- Reflect: How balanced do you feel between work, life, health, and family?
- Plan: Use the Delegation Map to identify where you can create breathing room.
- Take Action: Start small. Delegate one or two tasks and see how it feels.
Small changes now can set the tone for a brighter, more balanced 2025. Remember, success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what matters most.
