To free up time for what matters most to me in life, I’m a big fan of delegating. This is why I don’t do things such as mowing my lawn or cleaning my own car – I delegate this type of stuff to others – in exchange for money – so that I can buy back my time.
Why? Because time is more valuable than money.
All small business owners must learn to delegate better in order to scale. When you’re in your startup phase, you are handling everything yourself. To become a grownup business, you have to start investing in great people to do the tasks you can no longer do.
Three-quarters of all small businesses have zero staff, which highlights the fact that people are resistant to delegating responsibility – they don’t trust others to do the same quality and level of work.
Look, you have to grow your business to become and stay successful. It is a misconception that people cost money; a lack of production and a failure to grow your business costs you money – far more money. However, when it comes to life, there is a limit to what you can delegate to someone else.
Here are some things in life you just can’t delegate:
Health
Of course, you can hire a personal trainer and a chef to prepare the right meals, but ultimately, you have to be willing to do the exercise and commit to a healthy diet. Your body is your responsibility and yours alone!
Parenting
It’s okay to employ a nanny to help with the kids – I do. But you can’t just delegate the job of being a mom or dad to someone else. YOU are your kid’s most important role model and teacher, and succeeding as a parent requires that you spend quality time together.
Confidence
People can fake it, but if you want genuine, REAL confidence … it can only come from within and from the actions YOU take in life. You can take many things from me, but you can never take away my confidence.
Goal Setting
Nobody should be setting your goals except you. Don’t focus on achieving what others expect of you; rather, set your own expectations. I make my goals bigger than anybody else would make for me!
Your Purpose
Can you imagine asking, “Hey, John – can you get my purpose in order? I’m just too busy right now.” Sorry, it’s not going to happen. Finding your true purpose in life will never be something you can delegate.
Relationships
Much like parenting, you can’t delegate this stuff. You can hire an assistant to help you purchase birthday gifts or make appointments; but sooner or later, YOU will need to be present in order for a relationship to thrive.
Spiritual Health
Isn’t this self-evident? This is your responsibility and yours alone.
Personal Development
The more you learn, the more you earn. I’ve spent so much time and money over the years going around the nation to different conferences in order to connect with others and better myself – and I highly recommend you do the same. I don’t delegate this, because it can’t be delegated.
The Takeaway: Delegate as many things as you can to free up time to pursue the things that are most important to you.
To free up time to pursue what’s most important to you in life, delegate as many things as you can.
