Over 20 years ago, I took a small but life-changing step—I started delegating. At the time, it felt awkward. I didn’t believe I was worth it, and honestly, I was a little ashamed to admit I had someone else clean my condo or cut my lawn. But something shifted when I realized that the people I hired, whether they were housekeepers or landscapers, had their own expertise. When their cars needed fixing, they trusted me with what I was great at. It clicked for me: I was investing in myself, freeing up my time to focus on what truly mattered, while also helping others do what they excelled at.
Why Delegation Is a Game-Changer
Delegation is about more than just getting things off your plate. It’s about recognizing that your time and energy are incredibly valuable. By delegating tasks that don’t require your unique skills, you free up time to focus on what truly drives you—whether that’s growing your business, spending quality time with your family, or investing in personal growth.
The Math Behind Delegation: Time Saved and Invested
When I first started delegating, I had to justify the investment to myself. One way I did that was by calculating the impact of time saved and how I could reinvest that time into activities that would yield greater returns. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 1 Hour Saved and Invested:
- In a Week: 1 hour x 7 days = 7 hours saved.
- In a Month: 7 hours x 4 weeks = 28 hours saved.
- In a Year: 28 hours x 12 months = 336 hours saved.
- In a Decade: 336 hours x 10 years = 3,360 hours saved.
- 2 Hours Saved and Invested:
- In a Week: 2 hours x 7 days = 14 hours saved.
- In a Month: 14 hours x 4 weeks = 56 hours saved.
- In a Year: 56 hours x 12 months = 672 hours saved.
- In a Decade: 672 hours x 10 years = 6,720 hours saved.
The Value of Reclaimed Time
To make the most of delegation, you need to have a plan and an outlet for your reclaimed time. Whether you’re using that time to learn new skills, spend quality time with loved ones, or focus on strategic business activities, the key is to invest that saved time wisely. It’s not just about saving time—it’s about multiplying the value of that time by putting it to work in areas that will yield the greatest returns.
For example, if you save 2 hours a day and reinvest that time in reading, learning, or strategizing, you could completely transform your business or personal life over the course of a decade. The compounding effect of consistently investing your saved time can be life-changing.
What to Delegate: Start with What’s Holding You Back
When it comes to delegation, the possibilities are vast. But how do you know what tasks to delegate? A key question to ask yourself is: Will this task energize me or deplete me? Here’s how you can tell the difference:
Signs a Task Will Energize You:
- You Look Forward to It: If you’re excited or eager to start, it’s likely to energize you.
- Time Flies: Tasks that put you in a state of flow, where you lose track of time, are energizing.
- You Feel Accomplished: You end the task feeling satisfied and motivated.
- You’re Naturally Good at It: Tasks that align with your strengths are less draining.
- It Contributes to Your Goals: If it aligns with your long-term goals, it’s energizing.
Signs a Task Will Deplete You:
- You Dread It: If thinking about the task stresses you out, it’s a drain.
- It Feels Tedious or Repetitive: Monotonous tasks can lead to burnout.
- It Takes a Long Time to Complete: Tasks that drag on often deplete energy.
- You Feel Exhausted Afterward: If you’re left feeling drained, it’s time to delegate.
- You’re Not Good at It: Tasks that don’t align with your strengths require more effort and are often draining.
Examples of Tasks to Delegate
- House Cleaning: Reclaim your evenings and weekends by hiring someone to take care of the cleaning. It’s a simple change with a big impact on your free time.
- Lawn Care: Free up your Saturdays by delegating yard work. Use that time for activities that rejuvenate you.
- Marketing and Sales: If you’re in business, consider outsourcing marketing and sales tasks. This allows you to focus on strategy and leadership.
- Grocery Shopping and Errands: I used to waste entire weekend days going store to store, not even finding everything I wanted. Then, I’d complain that I didn’t have 15 minutes a day to read a book that could alter the trajectory of my life. Now, I use Instacart for groceries and Amazon for shopping, freeing up hours of my time.
- Scheduling: Delegate your calendar management to a virtual assistant or use smart scheduling tools. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
- Car Washing: Delegate this simple task to a mobile service or a local car wash, freeing up time for the things that really matter.
- Administrative Tasks: Use tools like Upwork to find freelancers who can handle emails, paperwork, or customer service through a chatbot, allowing you to focus on high-impact activities.
Embracing Delegation: Addressing the Common Objections
- “I Enjoy Doing This Myself”: It’s natural to enjoy certain tasks—maybe mowing the lawn or grocery shopping is your thing. But if these tasks start feeling like a burden rather than a pleasure, it’s time to consider delegation. Remember, the goal is to reclaim your time for the priceless things in life.
- “It Costs Money”: Yes, delegation has a cost, but it’s an investment in your most valuable asset—yourself. The time you reclaim can be used for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, like spending time with family or pursuing your passions.
- “I Don’t Want to Lose Control”: Delegation doesn’t mean you’re losing control. It’s about strategically letting go of tasks that others can handle so you can focus on what you do best. You’re still the one setting the direction—you’re just using your resources more effectively.
What’s in It for You?
The benefits of delegation are profound: more time, less stress, and the ability to focus on what truly matters. Whether you want to climb the career ladder, grow your business, or simply enjoy more moments with your loved ones, delegation can help you get there. It’s not just about getting tasks done—it’s about creating the life you want.
Action Steps to Start Delegating Today
- Identify Tasks to Delegate: Make a list of tasks that don’t require your unique skills or that drain your energy.
- Choose What to Delegate First: Start with tasks that take up a lot of time but don’t add much value to your life or work—like house cleaning or scheduling.
- Find the Right People or Tools: Leverage platforms like Thumbtack or Upwork to find the right professionals. BNI has been a game-changer for me in vetting service providers, and it can be for you too.
- Set Clear Expectations: Ensure that whoever you delegate to understands your standards and expectations clearly.
- Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on how things are going, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the delegation is effective.
Get the Conversation Started: Questions to Reflect On
- What tasks in your life or work feel more like chores than fulfilling activities?
- If you could delegate one task today, what would it be, and what would you do with the time saved?
- How much is your time worth? Are you using it for the things that matter most to you?
- What’s holding you back from delegating more? Is it the cost, the fear of losing control, or something else?
- How can you start small with delegation to build your confidence and see the benefits?
Final Thoughts
Delegation is more than just a strategy—it’s a pathway to a richer, more fulfilling life. By investing in yourself and trusting others with tasks they’re great at, you open up space for the things that truly matter. Whether it’s advancing your career, nurturing your relationships, or simply enjoying the journey, delegation can help you get there.
So take the leap. Start delegating, and watch as your life transforms into something truly priceless. You’re worth it.
Need help or accountability with delegating?
Email me joe@joeperrone.biz