When you have appointments to schedule, bills to pay, accounts to check, contractors or vendors to manage, and travel plans to book—on top of your full-time job or other responsibilities—your life can feel like a constant frenzy. You may feel like you’re always busy; like you can’t get to the bottom of your to-do list. It can be exhausting.
By the same token, it can be hard to break the cycle of constant busyness. This is especially true if you enjoy some of the tasks you do, or if you don’t know who to ask for help. But the question worth thinking about is this: Are you doing more than you should?
Here’s how to determine if and how your time could be better spent.
Keep a task diary
As I mentioned, it’s easy to get caught up in never-ending to-do list. To identify if you could delegate certain tasks on your to-do list, consider keeping a “task journal” over the course of a couple weeks.
During this time, keep a notebook or sheet of paper on hand and jot down any tasks you’re doing. Maybe it’s paying your Internet bill, dealing with the gardener, scheduling medical appointments, or managing your landscaping crew. No matter how small the task is, be sure to write it down.
Now comes the fun part. As you write down each task, make a note next to it using one of the following four descriptors:
- I’m good at it, and I like it
- I’m good at it, but I don’t like it.
- I’m not good at it, but I like it.
- I’m not good at it, and I don’t like it.
At the end of the two weeks, assess how you described each task. Any tasks except those labeled “I’m good at it, and I like it” should be ones you consider delegating to someone else.
Assess your resources
Once you have a list of tasks someone else could manage for you, it’s time to explore your options. Often, you’ll need an array of skill sets. You might need someone who’s knowledgeable in technology, accounting, communication, legal matters, organizing and follow-through. You might need help every day or for just a day here and there. It can be challenging, if not impossible, to find all of the skills and availability you need in one person.
This is where working with Atlas can help. Our Atlas Services give you access to a team of professionals with various skill sets who can help you with tasks as needed. Most important: You’re not having to rely on one person, which means you aren’t lost (i.e., overwhelmed) if this person were to go on vacation or leave.
Take back your time
Life is too short to constantly feel like you can’t keep up. Let this be the year you make the most of your time by taking a close look at how you’re spending it. Even taking steps to pare down your to-do list can help to free you from stress you don’t need.
If you’d like to explore how our Chief of Staff Services could help, give us a call. We’ve helped couples and families with everything from managing complicated lives to planning for succession.
To learn more about how we can help you take back your time, contact us today.