DO YOU NEED TO SHARE THE LOAD?
As fiercely independent women, we’ve prided ourselves on how much we can do and what we can achieve on our own.
We look after the kids.
We build our careers.
We run teams.
We support our loved ones.
We cook.
We clean.
We plan.
We organise.
We do so much.
And while being independent and getting-things-done is a definite strength of ours, it’s also one of our greatest weaknesses.
Why?
Because doing ‘all the things’ on our own is e-x-h-a-u-s-t-i-n-g and, very often, it takes us away from investing time and energy into doing the things that matter most to us.
Many of the leaders I work with desperately want to take their careers to the next level, but don’t feel like they have the capacity (energetically, mentally and practically) to get themselves to where they want to be.
While they look productive on the outside, many of them are treading water on the inside. They’re spreading themselves too thin, and their minds and lives are busy and full to the brim.
I’m here to let you know that there is another way, and that you don’t have to do it all on your own.
What if you were to give yourself permission to share the load?
Here’s how you can begin to share the load and reclaim your time and energy, so you can do more of what’s important to you.
1. Delegate
Whether it’s at work, or in your personal life, delegating will support you to create lots more space in your day!
Let’s start by mastering the art of delegation. Let go of the sense of guilt that often comes with asking others to take greater responsibility. Allow your team to build their skills and capabilities by taking on some of what you’ve been holding onto.
Delegation is one of the key traits of working like a Queen Bee, and it’s this kind of work that gets women recognised and promoted in their workplaces.
Consider who you have on your team, what their strengths and interests are, and what tasks/meetings/opportunities you can hand over to them.
But don’t just stop there. Think about how you can delegate a little more in your personal life. Sometimes as women we OVER FUNCTION allowing our kids, partner other family members to UNDER FUNCTION.
Let go of the need to control it all. It may mean the washing/cleaning/shopping isn’t done to your usual high standards – and that’s OK! You don’t have to do everything on your own (nor should you!)
2. Be okay with saying no
Just because someone asks you to do something, doesn’t mean you should, or that you have to.
It’s okay to say no to work tasks that don’t fit your brief, or would be better executed by someone else.
And it’s okay to say no to social engagements when you’d rather stay in and relax.
The best thing you can do for yourself, and everyone else in your life, is honour your time and energy, and work in your zone of genius. Saying no to the things that don’t support you to do this will bring you closer to your goals and dreams.
3. Ask for help
You have other people in your personal life, and in your workplace, for a reason … to support you!
There’s no shame in asking for help. In fact, all of the great women and leaders I know, constantly ask for help.
It takes courage and vulnerability to call on others for support when you’re so used to doing everything on your own, but it’s worth it.
Not only will you have more time and space in your day, by leaning on other people (whether that be your colleagues or loved ones) it will allow them feel valued and important too.
It’s a win-win situation.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic ladies!
If you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders and are exhausted from doing and achieving (even though you may be great at it!), know that you are not alone.
Please pop on over to our free Facebook Group for mid career professional women, share your experience and join in the conversation!
Together, we can support one another and find ways of sharing the load.
See you in the group!
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