Simplify for Joy #15: Outsource

MAKE room for joy.

When it comes to being a successful manager, delegation is key. You cannot lead and direct others efficiently if you're weighed down with too many day-to-day tasks on your plate. The same principle applies to living a joyful life.

Over the years, I've heard many people say that they have to do everything themselves because they don't trust anyone else to do things right. They confuse what's right with what's simply their way of getting things done. Maintaining control is more important to them than reducing their workload (stress). I know this because I used to be one of them.

Unsure where to start? Here are some practical examples:

• If you and your partner both work full time, keeping the house in order may quickly become a nightmare. Before you know it, every room's a mess! Hire a housekeeping service to keep you sane. (We have an angel that comes into our home once a week. I make a point of telling her how she's the glue that keeps my marriage intact.)
• A dry cleaning service can save you time by ridding your clothes of stubborn stains and wrinkles.
• Do you have to drive your kids everywhere? What about a school bus service, or forming a lift club with some of the parents in your suburb?
• Cut down on food prepping - sign up for a meal service, or find a local health conscious store where you can buy prepackaged meals.
• Or pick a day over the weekend to do all your week's food prep work in advance.

If you cannot afford to outsource, try to share the responsibilities with your partner, family or friends.

Letting go is going to be tough, but difficult is not impossible. Baby steps.

*What’s This?

Every week through 2017, we'll attempt one of Erica Layne's 52 Obtainable Ways to Simplify Your Life. For more info, you can read our introductory post here.