I don’t think of myself as a control freak, so why is it that I find it so hard to delegate? Running my own business, working on my first solo book project, blogging daily, and being a mama means I sometimes spread myself very, very thin. My email inbox has become so intimidating that I’ve given up trying to respond to everything that comes in from a real human. My hair sometimes goes an entire week without getting brushed. Seriously. I find that I have become so used to this crazy juggle that I don’t even know how to delegate or what to delegate–and then there is certainly a part of me that believes that doing things myself is faster (and sometimes better) than explaining and having someone do it, which in the long run, I know is not always true.
Another piece of the puzzle is this superwoman paradigm that I’ve adopted. I look at other bloggers who have lots of contributors working on their blogs and I think to myself ‘well sure they have great DIY projects on their blogs but it’s not like they’re doing them themselves?!’ It’s a chip on my shoulder. I struggle with the balance. How do I grow as a business without delegating? But how do I keep myself, by blog and my brand authentic if I’m having other people do the work? And how do I afford it all while I’m still barely keeping up with the bills as it is?
This year, in hopes to tackle this issue I’ve started to hire people to help out–for example, I got a bookkeeper to help with the money stuff. I got a designer to redesign the blog when in the past I’ve always done it myself. I have Natalie, a brilliant creative thinker who is also much more organized than myself, to help with project management–and the lovely Sara is helping out specifically with the book. This has already proved to be very helpful. But, as the end of the month approaches and it’s time to pay the bills, having to pay all of my usual expenses plus a staff (albeit bare bones) is tough. And saving? Well, that’s just impossible. I feel like my blog and business are at that point where I need to invest, delegate and continue to get people on board to help, but truth be told I can’t really afford it. I know there is the intern option, but without a real office (I work from my living room) I don’t really feel comfortable with that solution–especially since I would want an intern to have the possibility of being hired at the end of the internship, and as of right now, I could not guarantee that.
So, what’s a working mama to do? How do I choose what to delegate and what to do myself? How and where should I relinquish control of my business, blog or household? How do you decide what to pay to get done and what to do yourself? How do you delegate? I’m so curious to hear how you tackle these issues. Help!
i don’t know how you do it. i blog, am working on my first novel, and am having my first baby in about 6 weeks or less and feel totally overwhelmed. some days i feel like i don’t get anything done because i don’t know where to start. you, your blog + your accomplishments are such an inspiration!
oh wow! Congrats on the arrival of your little one and thank you for your kind words! I’m sure we’ll figure out how to make it work somehow!
How about not paying with money but with time? If someone gives you his/her time to do things for you, you could in turn offer your time. As you already do with your training instructor. You not only get things done you do not have the time for yourself but also your blog could benefit if you style something in return and then present it here.
The best thing I did for my sanity when I could afford it was to hire a cleaning lady to come in once a week! I can’t recommend it enough. Even if you have an out of work friend that could use some cash, it’s better then doing it yourself!
I don’t, simply because I’m a perfectionist! I need to though…
This is a tough one Justina! This is something that I’ve been struggling with for a long time (especially while I was mama to a toddler–those years can be tough! Amazingly sweet, but tough.) I eked out (some degree of ) balance by putting some projects on a backburner. For instance, if it wasn’t worth my time I simply didn’t (couldn’t) do it.
With the delegate bit–I’m pretty much a lone wolf when it comes to work, however, I’ve become really good at asking for help at home! DH helps out with the dishes and laundry and it helps immensely.
Hope you manage to find your balance. And some time for yourself as well!
PS:You’ll have more time on your hands once Ida starts preschool–till then please do enjoy this time. I now long for those afternoons I spent at playgrounds with the kid.
Justina, however you’re doing it, you’re doing right! Your blog and aesthetic seem true to your readers and to yourself. Do what you can to keep it that way!
I am a Zirtual Assistant (zirtual.com) and your post echos what I have heard from so many clients!! You want to learn how to delegate effectively, but the idea of starting the process can be pretty intimidating and foreign. You want to maintain creative control of your business, but it would be nice to have someone you can trust take care of the mundane, time consuming tasks. You could use more help, but hiring someone full or even part-time is too expensive.
Yup… sounds like a Zirtual client! We take care of all of that – with Delegation Consultations to help you learn how to be an effective delegator, taking over your to-do list to free up your time for business-building and family time, and doing all the work of an in-house assistant in waaaay less time & money. You should check it out, I honestly think it would be a big help.
I don’t mean this as a sales pitch, I wouldn’t get anything out of you joining Zirtual other than some serious fangirl moments b/c I love your work so much! I’ve followed your blog for a preeeetty long time and it is always an inspiration!!
I totally understand what you mean about the guest posts from contributors, however I think that that type of route can be a really great option as long as you can maintain a really distinct style aesthetic (which in my opinion you are great at and really helps your blog stand out) you’ll be fine!
And I agree with Goldammer about replicating your current personal trainer for home makeover situation!
Good luck!
I am quite a bit older than you and I wish I could give some “sage” advice. I am still trying to “delegate” and if anything it is the hardest thing especially when you are a creative person and the content of what you are representing really means a lot to you. Please,if you figure this one out, please write and advise cause it is what I am trying to navigate and I am finding it really difficult to “let go”. Not that I don’t want others to shine, I just want it done, the way I want it done, but damn I don’t want to do it ALL..
Delegating is one thing I’m SUPER good at. After spending over 10 years in design management I became an expert. It was very difficult at first. It’s the one talent you can’t take a class in or learn quickly. I put things in two buckets: stuff that needs my expertise and vision, and stuff that doesn’t. Make a list of the stuff that doesn’t and you’ll know what you can delegate. The next challenge is hiring a person who’s a perfect fit, the person makes all the difference in the world.
I just did the reverse and quit my corporate job and have to do everything by. my. self. LOL. I’m struggling to say the least. Good luck on finding delegating happiness!
Story of my life sistah! Hiring various people to help in various roles this past year has been one of the most liberating/scary/stressful/necessary things I’ve ever done!
Right?!? I’m tripping out! But how can we grow without help!?!
Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your website in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next write
ups thank you once again.
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