Let me paint a picture for you:
You’re sitting at your desk (for days now). Your head is spinning with ideas. All good ideas, but you’re going no where. Your to-do list is still just as long as ever (maybe even longer).
It’s been weeks since you published a decent blog post. At least you know not to publish rubbish because you don’t want your readers or customers reading it.
You start curating content and have lots of possibilities but what do you do with it? You can’t have a blog filled with curated content, can you?
Social Media? It appears to be going well. You enjoy the friendships you’re making but nothing is coming of it. You use social media to connect, to network, to book calls or to sell your product. Now, you’re just stuck.
You want to jump into your warm bubble bath, put your music on and yell “Calgon Take Me Away!” (1988 commercial)
How do I know you so well? I’m you. I’ve been going back and forth for a few weeks now, but really for years. I have an illness that sometimes takes me out for days. Bed rest, exhaustion, chills, depression, fever, pain. Some days aren’t so bad so I’m blessed to be able to work online. Other days or weeks or even months it’s kicked my tushie.
I know the solution is to hire backup help. I need a system in place to fall on when I start to feel sick NOT when I’m completely out of it in the hospital without internet access or the energy or will to do anything - So do YOU.
Q: But Sara, I don’t know what to do? Help!
I’m a control freak and it scares me or worries me to give something to someone else to handle.
A: Dear reader. I was just at this point last week when a wise mentor asked me, “What do you tell your clients when they’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to do next?”. I also came across this piece on Medium. So, putting both together I’ve come up with a possible solution for you.
Step 1: Commit to letting go of one thing by a specific date.
Example: I will set up a process for subcontracting to another Virtual Assistant by February 2017.
Step 2: Outline an action plan
Example: 11/10 post my first request for proposal online (used VANetworking’s Job Board);
Step 3: Take your next step (thanks Alicia for this action step)
Example: My next step was to go to the VANetworking Job Board and post the RFP.
Keeping going down your list (outline) and doing your next step.
Step 4: Test your system
Example: After I interview possible canidates I will contract out small jobs. I’ll also test this system “as if” I’m sick. I plan on randomly choosing a day (or having my husband do this) to call in sick. I will take this opportunity to test my system to see if it works. I’ll analyze it and adjust accordingly.
Finally, when you’re on the other side of “What to do when you don’t know what to do?” you can pat yourself on the back and do a happy dance. You just proved that you CAN let something go and the world is just fine.
via GIPHY
DISCUSSION: What are you stuck on right now?
Alicia Jay says
Sara, I love how you’ve simplified figuring out what to do when you just don’t know what to do. And the example you used of your personal situation, along with the steps you’re taking, really helped to solidify the concept.
Sara Duggan says
Alicia. Thank you for stopping by. It was your advice that kickstarted this blog post. I’m a control freak myself, so I know how difficult it is to just let something go.
Allison says
This is great! I have felt like this more times than not lately and I feel like I am spinning my wheels sometimes.
Sara Duggan says
Allison, it’s frustrating at times. Sometimes I just want to scream “get me off of this thing”. It’s all good, as I learn new things about myself and what I can realistically handle.
Daria says
That all sounds like a great plan! Definitely best to test things out when you are not in a chaos situation. I don’t make enough money (ha-any!) from blogging yet to hire a virtual assistant but hoping someday I can!
Sara Duggan says
Daria, ^_^ Yes, testing before chaos happens is best. An emergency system needs to be in place before the emergency (like fire escape plan before the fire).
Kecia | OnlineIncomeMom says
So I am pretty much in the same boat. So many ideas, not enough time to implement them! I know I need to outsource some of the “busy work” and plan to do that in 2017.
Sara Duggan says
Kecia, so true. It’s hard, though because at first, I couldn’t justify hiring someone for such minor tasks. Now, those minor tasks get in the way of client work. Balance in everything, right?
Jill says
These are great tips! I know I would use them because I suffer from many of these same issues when I blog.
Sara Duggan says
Jill, it’s always good to have a backup plan.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
With food blogging, I guess I never have those moments. We eat every day so I usually always have ideas for new content. I have thought about a VA though for the overwhelming aspects of social media. Right now I’ve got things under control, but I do find it hard to take off a few days at at a time. I guess a VA could help on those days.
Sara Duggan says
Joanna, food blogging is a great niche as like you said, so much content. I’m not sure at what point my clients decide to hand over their social management and scheduling, I’ll have to put a survey together. Yes, on vacation and when life’s unexpected surprises happen, a V.A. can be helpful.
Terri Steffes says
I would love to have a VA to do the social media part, but I love interacting with my readers and I am afraid I will lose that part.
Sara Duggan says
Terri, most people use a virtual assistant to schedule and manage the social media tasks, not the interactions. I too like the social part - it’s what keeps my freelance business going.
Ana De- Jesus says
I like the idea of creating an action plan that is a surefire way to get your ideas in order. What a fantastic idea.
Sara Duggan says
Yes, Ana. An action plan is good, but action is better. Don’t you think? ^_^
Marisa says
What great tips, Its so important to sit back in reflect on what to do …. especially with blogging.. you mind can get to cluttered! Thanks for the tips!
Sara Duggan says
Marisa, a cluttered mind is lost just like a cluttered desk. ^_^
Julie says
When I’m overwhelmed I’m all about breaking things down into smaller steps and making them more manageable so I love the simple steps you’ve outlined. And delegation, while difficult, can bring great reward!
Sara Duggan says
So true, Julie. Delegation is my weakness which is kind of funny considering people delegate to me all the time. ^_^
Reesa Lewandowski says
I had a VA for awhile, but I really enjoy doing my own work. Finding someone you can trust to work with you is key!
Sara Duggan says
Reesa, YES, a trusting team member is important.
Cassandra says
It’s like you are me!!! This post is so timely. I’ve been toying with the idea of looking for a VA for certain tasks. Just don’t know how to go about finding a good fit. I’ll be checking out this resource.
Sara Duggan says
Cassandra, a soul sister. ^_^ You can use VaNetworking, but Facebook also has a few V.A. for Bloggers groups. It might be a good place to start.
Brittany says
This is so good! It’s such a great reminder! I am the biggest control freak and it’s so hard to let go of things.
Sara Duggan says
Brittany, so true. It’s hard, but I hear that once you start, it does get easier.
Sara says
It gets really frustrating, specially when you feel like there’s no way out. These are great tips and a great reminder that we can seek help and let go.
Sara Duggan says
Exactly, Sara. There is always help and we really don’t have to do everything ourselves.
Blythe Alpern says
I’m stuck on being exhausted. My mom has been battling cancer for the last year and half and I’ve been helping my dad care for her. It is exhausting and draining. I’m happy to do it, but sometimes I just need a break and some time for myself.
Sara Duggan says
Blythe, I feel for you. It’s hard to be the strong one when all around you, your energy is being zapped. Instead of a virtual assistant, you may find a local Personal Assistant or Mom’s Helper beneficial.
Debbie-jean Lemonte says
Hello,
Control freak here..lol.. I find it so hard to delegate lol!
However, I’m learning step by step.
Sara Duggan says
Yes, Debbie-Jean. Delegating is a very weak point for me, just ask my children. ^_^ One step at a time is how Mt. Everest is Climbed, right?
CourtneyLynne says
I always go back and forth about having a VA! Most full time
Bloggers have one, but I swear the more I make… idk I don’t wanna share that income with anyone lol…
Sara Duggan says
Courtney-Lynne, LOL, true. Sometimes keeping it all for yourself is what’s best. Once you reach your overwhelming point, you’ll be like all the popular bloggers and hire help (even if it’s your own child).
Karina Pacheco says
Such great tips! I always make sure to reflect when it comes to blogging, especially when I have writers block!
Sara Duggan says
Karina, reflection is all a part of life and work. Have a lovely Saturday.
Christina Aliperti says
I’m not a blogger but I get stuck on overthinking everything. I am convinced that if I don’t do something myself it won’t be done correctly but I am learning slowly how to let go and delegate.
Sara says
You sound just like me. Christina, thank you for sharing and stopping by. Have a lovely day.
Jennifer Pilgrim says
I am in the middle of purging things in my house because I feel like it is swallowing me. I can relate!
Sara says
Yes. Sometimes it feels so overwhelming and like I can’t breathe. I feel like the Dad in the Wilderness Family driving in Los Angeles traffic when he says “I’m getting outta here”.