For some reason, Americans think they have something to prove by doing it all themselves. People say to me all of the time, that someone else just can’t do for them, the things that are on the “to do ” list. Well, that is not only a ridiculous statement, but one that can be proven wrong over and over again. We all strive to appear in control. However, you cannot be in control if you are constantly struggling to juggle events and lists. So give up some of the control. I know that is a scary thought, but do it. By having professionals handle the items on your list, you will amaze your friends and family by having more time to enjoy life and you will seem more in control than ever. Don’t worry. We don’t expect you to do this cold turkey. We are going to give you tips on accomplishing this daunting task after we shock you into reality.
Don’t Be A Statistic!
Here are the facts……I think the expression is “read ‘em and weep.” I know I wanted to when I saw these numbers.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average U.S. family works between 105-115 hours per week. So let’s run the numbers.
168 hours in a 7 day week x2 (if 2 people are working those hours) = 336
Less 110 hours for work
Less 112 hours for sleeping
Less 28 hours for eating
Less 15 hours for commuting
So what’s left……..71 HOURS!!! That is 71 hours for both workers total. Look like a big number of hours? Keep running the math. (If you are single that leaves you with 35.5 hrs - cut everything in half)
Now what do you have to do in that 71 hours? Remember, if you are doing something as a family (both workers), you have to double the hours used when you subtract from the 71.
- Spend time with your family
- Run/attend children’s activities (i.e. soccer, music lessons)
- Run errands
- Visit friends/relatives for special occasions
- Make purchases - clothing, gifts, daily needs
Anyone feeling exhausted yet? I am ready for a nap…oh that’s right…no time for that. Well here is some advice from the BusyB herself on taking back your life.
Remedying the Problem:
- First evaluate the numbers that we provided above and adjust for your particular family. Some of you may work more than 110hrs, commute more, sleep less, etc. Also, stay at home moms count as working members of the family in our book so don’t forget that their hours count too!
- Make a list of all of the things you do that take up the 71 remaining hours (or whatever number you now have).
- Sort the tasks by type of activity. Feel free to make up your own categories.
- Family
- Home Repairs/Maintenance
- Errands/Shopping
- Social Activities
- School Activities
- Other
- Star the ones you would rather not do (and sorry your job is one of those adult requirements in life so don’t star it - you don’t have a choice).
- Estimate how much time it takes you to do each task (per week).
- Now make a list of all of the things that are on the perpetual “to do” list that never seem to get finished. Sort this list as well. Having things that are constantly waiting to be completed, does nothing but add stress to your life.
- Now here comes the difficult part. Giving up control to get control. You are really going to have to put on your positive change attitude to make this work. Ready? Circle the items that can be hired out. The possibilities are endless. If you are serious about change, then you will not be making excuses at this point as to why someone else cannot do the job. Do NOT, use money as an excuse at this point. You can’t afford to do that. This is your life you are talking about. Here are some suggestions:
- Lawn Care
- Home Repair Specialists (painters, handyman etc)
- Errand Service
- Personal Shopper/Concierge
- Nanny/Babysitter
- Car Specialists
- Financial Specialists
- Make another list of things you would like to do but never have time to do.
- If you successfully completed Step 7, you should now be able to make a new list of things to do each week that include your “wants.” Can you replace the “have to” items with the “want to” items? If you answered yes, you did a great job and are well on your way to taking back control of your life. If you answered no, then we still have some work to do.
Now some of you are probably saying, this is easy for her to say. Well, no it isn’t. I have been where you are and it took a major life-altering situation for me to realize what is really important. Do not put yourself in the same situation.
Stop now and take stock of your life and priorities. You may find that when you reprioritize you only need some reorganization and a little help from a life management consultant or you may have bigger problems and you need to schedule time each month for professionals to help you sift through the chores.
Get your life back but appear more in control. You can do it
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