How hard is it for you to allow someone to take over a portion of your project at work? Are you capable of letting your neighbor watch your kids while you grocery shop? What about letting your spouse cook dinner while you take a bubble bath?
Your initial response may be that nobody can do what you do as well as you can, right? Realistically, that might be the truth, however, in order to keep your sanity intact, it’s OK to accept some help. I think the problem stems from our natural instincts to maintain complete control over all aspects at once.
Surely there is a portion of that work project that you can delegate that won’t affect the final outcome of the assignment. Your kids show up from the neighbors with more grass stains on their pants than you’d like? Not a big deal because you just peacefully strolled the grocery store aisles without having to scold anyone under five feet tall. Dinner is a tad over-cooked? Who cares? You just had a bubble bath and the pride in your spouse’s eyes over a meal they just prepared trumps the overly crisp pork chop you’re eating.
If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say, “I am so busy! There just aren’t enough hours in the day for me to fit everything in,” I could buy my own island. Trying to balance being a good parent, significant other and friend while maintaining a home and a career is no joke. Not to mention trying to squeeze in a little much-needed alone time. Which is exactly why I have no problem allowing help. Shoot, I survive by the help of others!
Just remember, the fantastic people in your life offering to help wouldn’t be offering if they didn’t really want to be there for you. So, the next time someone offers to make your life a little less chaotic, graciously accept and reap the benefits of a few extra minutes of free time!
