Time Is Your Scarcest Asset: If It Doesn’t Help You Grow, Delegate It.
Jarrett Stanley
CMO at Nationwide Mortgage Bankers, Co-Founder of TBA??, and award-winning marketer in Mortgage & FinTech. Making things that make a difference.
We live in an era where every minute counts—and there’s no resource more limited than time. If you’re like me, you’ve learned the hard way that trying to do it all isn’t the path to success. Instead, focus your energy on the tasks that propel you forward and delegate everything else. Sound simple? Let’s break it down.
1. Recognize What Truly Drives Growth
In our fast-paced work environments, it’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations. But here’s the thing: not every task contributes to your personal or business growth. Ask yourself:
? Is this task directly moving the needle?
? Does it free up time for strategic decisions or creative work?
If the answer is “no,†it’s a prime candidate for delegation. For example, while I enjoy being hands-on, I’ve learned that spending hours on routine administrative work takes me away from high-impact strategy and innovation.
2. Delegation: Your Secret Weapon
Delegating isn’t about offloading work—it’s about working smarter. When you hand over tasks that don’t require your unique expertise, you not only reclaim precious time, but you also empower your team or leverage the right tools. Here’s how I approach it:
? Identify repetitive tasks: Whether it’s scheduling meetings, managing emails, or data entry, these are great candidates for delegation.
? Invest in reliable support: Build a team or adopt technologies that you trust. When you delegate effectively, you’re setting everyone up for success.
? Focus on high-value activities: With routine tasks taken care of, you’re free to concentrate on strategy, leadership, and innovation.
Remember, your time is best spent where you can make the most significant impact.
3. Trust Is the Foundation
Let’s be honest: trusting others with important tasks can be challenging. But growth isn’t about micromanagement—it’s about empowering the right people and processes around you. Over time, you’ll see that:
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? Delegation builds team capability: When you assign responsibilities, you help others grow, too.
? It creates a culture of accountability: People feel more invested when they’re trusted with key tasks.
? It drives efficiency: Freeing yourself from non-essential tasks means you’re available to make decisions that truly matter.
By cultivating trust and leveraging delegation, you transform how you work—and ultimately, how you lead.
4. Embrace the Mindset Shift
It can be tempting to cling to control, especially in critical projects. But ask yourself: what’s the cost of doing everything yourself? Often, it’s missed opportunities for growth. Shifting your mindset means accepting that:
? Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strategic move.
? Your best work happens when you’re focused on what only you can do.
? Continuous learning and innovation require your undivided attention.
Every moment you spend on non-growth activities is a moment that could be invested in driving progress. So, delegate boldly and watch how it transforms your productivity.
My Bottom Line
Time is your most finite asset. If a task isn’t fueling your growth or moving you closer to your goals, it’s time to delegate. By focusing on high-impact activities, you not only boost your own performance but also empower your team and streamline your operations. In a world where every minute counts, working smart is the only way to thrive.
Now It's Up To You
How do you decide which tasks to delegate? Have you seen a shift in your productivity once you let go of non-essential work? Let’s start a conversation about how strategic delegation has transformed your work life. After all, when we all work smarter, we all grow faster.