Though I love snow, I also look forward to spring after a long string of gray, gloomy days. Yet, it seems to me that spring season is one of the busiest. Along with spring sports and school activities there is Easter, spring break trips, and, likely, a desire to be outside again. With so much that needs done and so much you want to do, I thought now might be a good time to suggest that you
Think outside yourself
In my workshop, A Better Way to Manage Your Workday, we spend some time talking about the art of delegating. A common response is that they don’t have someone to whom they can delegate. In the workshop, we spend some time exploring alternative ways we can all get a little help. I’d like to share some of those thoughts with you…
Work Stuff
Interns: Contact your local high school career center or community college where you can find some great, inexpensive help with all kinds of projects!
Non-profits and County Agencies: Your community likely has an organization that serves those with disabilities. These organizations often have a work program in which their clients can help you get things done effectively and economically (and even more, you’ll feel great about working with them!)
Volunteers/Seniors: Don’t dismiss this group. There are plenty of individuals who don’t necessarily want to work full-time – or even part-time – but would love to help you out on an as-needed basis, stuffing envelopes, shredding, etc.
Other Professional Services: Think Accountants, Marketing Agencies, or Staffing Agencies to help fill a short term need.
Virtual Assistant (VA): A VA is a subcontractor who works remotely and can help you with anything from data entry to social media to managing big projects. I used a VA to make my eLearning site become a reality. She lives in San Diego. We worked together for two years before ever meeting in person. I know several VAs so if you’re interested and need help finding one, let me know!
Life Stuff
Often, we can accomplish more at work when we can worry less about all that needs done at home.
Kroger ClickList: This service changed my life! I put it right alongside the invention of the washing machine and dishwasher in terms of making life easier at home! Do your shopping online, from the comfort of your home. Then drive to the store and have them load it into your car. Saves me hours each month! Other stores have established this service as well so check what might be available in your area.
Family members: Kids can help, even at an early age! I think I had Ellie emptying the dishwasher (helping me) before she even started kindergarten. Caution: you may have to lower your expectations a bit and be happy that it just got done (even if it’s not how you’d have done it.)
Products that make tasks easier: Think robot vacuum cleaners, housecleaning shortcut tools, etc.
Services that make tasks easier: Housecleaning, lawn care, and laundry services are just a few examples. One of my favorite services is our local Dry Cleaners. They wash AND press 5 shirts for less than $10. (And if you knew how much I hate to iron, you’d know how happy I am to pay that!) Keep in mind; these services don’t have to be expensive. In fact, they might be happily done by a high school kid you know who’s looking for some spending money.
Personal assistant/ errand runner: I know a couple personal assistants who will do whatever you need done to make your life a little easier. If you’re interested in contact information for the ones that I know, let me know! Or, again, you might find a teenage driver who has a little time after school to walk your dog or help you with errands in return for a little cash.
So, get creative this spring! Pick one task that you don’t enjoy or just don’t have time to do and think about how you could get some help with it. (And be sure to let me know what you come up with! I’d love to hear it. I can use all the help I can get too!)
