A number of years ago I heard Elizabeth Elliott say * a woman should learn to delegate any work that a child or helper could do, so she could focus on the work only she could do. It made a profound impression on me.
In the past year or so I've had it come back to my mind a number of times, and the more I think on it, the wiser that thought appears.
What of all the little chores that are part of your basic daily routine. In how many is it conceivable that someone might learn to do that as well, perhaps better, than you?
If you gave up making the beds, preparing the family's breakfast, and washing dishes, how much free time would you have to do creative writing?
If someone else mowed the lawn, swept the porch and driveway, watered the flowers, could you check on a discouraged friend by phone and lift their spirits? Or create a gift to take to them?
If you've been overwhelmed with far more to do than is humanly possible, maybe it's because you were never meant to do ALL those things. You are hogging work that someone else ought to be doing.
From my parents I learned to work and to work hard. They also showed me by example that they didn't trust others to be reliable and do a good job, so they just did it all themselves.
But I'm trying to break out of that pattern of thinking. It's noble in a pitiful way, but not very wise. I'm resolved to learn to work Smarter - not Harder!
You too?
Then let's start evaluating all our little to do lists, and routines to see which ones we could train someone else to take over. Hire somebody if you can.
That doesn't mean we never ever touch it again. We'll still supervise our delegated workers, give them encouragement, tips, and so on.
We probably can't and shouldn't make all the changes at once, but over the next few months, see if you can't focus more on the creative stuff only you, with your peculiar mind and memories can do.
Oh-h-h, now we're finally going to be productive!
(* Not an exact quote as I didn't write it down).
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