Share the work

Photo by onourownpath.com

Delegate is a word generally associated with bosses and meetings and work life in general, but it can really do a world of good on the personal side as well.  Not only can it help to cut down on a stressful work-load, but on the aggravation of dealing with people who don't read minds.

There are many people I know (myself included sometimes) who will become frustrated when those around don't help with a particular task. They might be angry at the person or just stressed out after doing so much work. Having been on the giving and receiving end of this wrath, I can say that the problem is generally solved by actually asking for the help. I also know, that can be easier said than done for a variety of reasons. These are some of the things that go through my head when I'm hesitant to ask for help.

• I don't want to be bossy or lazy-  If I ask  for help nicely and the helper also realizes the importance of the task, I generally don't have a problem. While busy with my own part of a common goal, friends will generally agree to do what they can when asked. If I want to lounge on the couch while they do the dishes that's another story.

Photo by independentman

• Can't they see that all this stuff needs to get done?- Not always. If you're preparing a picnic, your friend might not know that you wanted to make a million sandwiches and iron the blanket. They might have forgotten something, not see all that's going on, or maybe not attach the importance you do to an ironed picnic blanket. You might want to ask them for this help and together decide what the priorities are and, perhaps, find better solutions.

• I'm the best person for the job- If I ask for help, I have to realize that everyone will do things in their own way and I have to accept it. I also have to realize that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. If I'm an opera star, I might not want to ask my tone-deaf friend to lead everyone in song while I get drinks. However, I have to ask myself if it really matter that much. If she wants to do it and it's just fun, why not sing some off-key tunes?

Once I get over these thoughts, it's a lot easier to ask for help. You and everyone involved will feel a lot less stressed-out. Just ask nicely and remember to say thanks! 

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Do you have any other tips for sharing the workload? Drop a comment and let us know.

'Tis the season of stressing out about a lot of things, sharing the work can help keep things calmer. Hopefully these tips on gifts, cards, and holiday dinners can also help to make things a bit easier.  And- if you like what you read, don't forget to subscribe to the blog.