March signals a transition from winter’s heaviness to spring’s renewal. Most of us are eager to emerge from winter hibernation by this point in the year. We clear out clutter, refresh our spaces, and make room for what’s next, both in our physical environments and within ourselves. So, I invite you to consider the following: When was the last time you did a spring cleaning for your business?
As a leader, what habits, patterns, and responsibilities are you holding onto that no longer serve you? Where are you gripping too tightly, unknowingly slowing down your success (and joy and satisfaction)? I invite you to pause momentarily, take a breath, and ask yourself a challenging but essential question: Are you holding on too tightly? Are you the bottleneck in your business?
As human beings, we like control – control feels safe, right?! You’ve built this business, you’ve mastered the details, and you know how things should be done, and need to get done. Oftentimes, there’s the feeling that no one can do it like you, so how could you possibly delegate successfully? How could anyone else really ‘get it’? Does this sound familiar? You feel like there couldn’t actually be anyone who could download everything that’s in your head, so you’re stuck in the vicious cycle. You justify this suffering because it’s just how things go as a leader, and you’re the only one who can do it; all the responsibility is on your shoulders, after all. But, actually, here’s the truth: You can do anything, but not everything. If you’re still managing every detail, responding to every email, and approving every decision, you’re slowing down your business, your bottom line, and your success (while adding to your stress and chronic overwhelm).
The status quo is uncomfortable, and it’s slowly depleting you. Maybe things are even starting to fall between the cracks, but this is your business – so you’ve chosen historically to just keep doing things the way you’ve always done them because at least this situation is known – you know how to cope, even if you’re barely getting by, because the alternative means leaving your comfort zone. You may even think that there is no way anyone else could be a trusted partner and live up to your expectations. However, if your business feels stuck, and you’re chronically overwhelmed and overworked, unable to enjoy your daily life, it might be because you’re still doing instead of leading.
Discomfort is Inevitable – But Which Kind of Discomfort Will You Choose?
There are two types of discomfort:
1️⃣ The discomfort of staying stuck, overworked, and stretched too thin – but it’s the ‘devil you know.’
2️⃣ The discomfort of stepping out of the doer role, bringing on the ‘right support,’ delegating, and actually leading from a place of balance and alignment, moving closer towards your goals every single day.
One keeps you exactly where you are. The other moves you forward. So, which discomfort do you want to live with?
You’ll never do it if you’re waiting for delegation to feel comfortable, and there is one guarantee in life – change is inevitable, and it typically feels uncomfortable. Stepping back requires vulnerability and trust. And handing off tasks you know you can do takes discipline. But the alternative? Burnout, stalled momentum, and a business (and life!) that can’t grow.
How Leaders Become the Bottleneck
Many high-achieving leaders hold on too tightly without even realizing it. Do any of these sound familiar?
❌ “It’s just faster if I do it myself.”
❌ “I know how I like things done.”
❌ “Delegating takes too much time.”
❌ “I don’t want to burden my team.”
❌ “What if they don’t do it right?”
At first, these thoughts seem reasonable. But over time, they become the invisible chains keeping you stuck in the doer role instead of stepping fully into leader mode. The result?
🚨 You’re overwhelmed with tasks that aren’t the best use of your time.
🚨 Your team isn’t growing because they’re not being given real responsibility.
🚨 Your business is hitting a ceiling – because you are the ceiling.
Your Next Step to Shift Away From Being the Bottleneck:
Are you ready to take your boundaries and delegation to the next level? Download my FREE toolkit to start reclaiming your time and energy today!
What’s Included in the Toolkit:
✔️ Top 20 Things to Have Your Executive Assistant Take Off Your Plate (That You Shouldn’t Be Doing!)
✔️ BONUS Opportunity Cost Calculator: Take 60 seconds to find out what your time is actually worth.
Download your FREE toolkit here!
As we transition into the season of new beginnings, give yourself the gift of letting go and leveling up. With the proper boundaries and the support of a strategic partner and seasoned executive assistant, you can lead with clarity, purpose, and an abundance of energy to give back. Trust me, your business, your team, and your life will thank you for it.
As always, I’m here to support you on your journey however possible.
