Let it Go: The Power of Delegation

Letting Go to Get More Done

Delegation is one of those tasks that, for a long time, I struggled to master. Growing up, I believed that “if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself.” This belief carried into my school years, where I often took over group projects to ensure things were done on my own terms. It always seemed easier to control everything than to trust others with something that felt important.

Fast forward to today, and that same mindset could easily have led to burnout—especially with the annual Madrigal Dinner I organize every December. Picture putting on a wedding and a musical at the same time, and you’ll get a sense of how intense it can be! I used to think I had to handle every detail myself, but if I hadn’t learned to delegate tasks like decorating to an incredible group of volunteer parents, I would have burned out long ago. Their creativity and dedication allow me to focus on the music and acting portions of the event, where my expertise is truly needed. 

Why Delegation Feels So Hard

One reason I initially resisted delegating was fear. I had this underlying belief that asking for help was a sign of weakness, or worse, that I would lose control over the outcome. Like many of us, I wanted things done my way, and the idea of relinquishing control made me hesitate to share responsibility.

It’s tempting to think, “No one can do this as well as I can.” But is that really true? More importantly, is that mindset serving you, or is it simply adding to your stress? When I finally began letting go and started trusting others, I realized something powerful: people often rise to the occasion if you give them the chance. You may find that those around you are more capable than you imagined. In this way, delegating becomes a strength, not a weakness.

The Tao and Letting Go of Control

This struggle to release control reminds me of the Tao te Ching’s wisdom. The Tao teaches that the more we try to control life, the more we are controlled by it. True leadership, according to the Tao, comes from trusting the natural flow of events and people. Lao Tzu says, “The wise leader is like water. Water never fights, yet it always finds its way.” In the same way, delegating isn’t about giving up control—it’s about finding a more harmonious way to achieve the goal.

By delegating, we acknowledge that we don’t need to carry the burden alone and that others can contribute in meaningful ways. Just like water flows effortlessly, we can move through life’s tasks without unnecessary resistance, trusting that things will get done—even if it’s not by our own hands.

Identifying Tasks to Delegate or Outsource

The key to successful delegation is knowing what to delegate. Not every task requires your unique skills or oversight. A helpful approach is to ask yourself: Is this something someone else can do just as well as I can—or even better? If so, it’s time to delegate.

Here are a few guidelines for identifying tasks to delegate or outsource:

1. Routine Tasks: Anything that doesn’t require your specific expertise and can be easily taught to someone else. For me, delegating the decorating for the Madrigal Dinner allows me to focus on the music and acting portions of the show, where my attention is most needed.

2. Time-Consuming Tasks: These are the things that take up a lot of time but don’t necessarily require your direct attention. Outsourcing tasks like administrative work, or even household chores, can free up time for what truly matters. Think about how much your time is worth. If someone else can handle a task for less than the value of your time, why not consider hiring them? You can also trade tasks with someone—bartering is another way to lighten your load.

3. Tasks You’re Not Passionate About: If a task drains your energy or simply doesn’t bring you joy, it might be better to let someone else take it on. You’ll be more productive when you focus on the tasks you enjoy and excel at.

By letting go of the need to do everything yourself, you open up the possibility for greater efficiency, creativity, and peace. Delegation isn’t about giving up responsibility—it’s about trusting the strength of others and allowing the natural flow of life to help you.

Embracing Delegation with Confidence

It took me years to feel comfortable with delegation, but now I see it as one of the most powerful tools for achieving balance and preventing burnout. It’s more than just getting things off your plate—it’s about learning to trust others and recognizing that sometimes, letting go is the best way to move forward.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself, “What can I delegate, and how can I let go of control without losing sight of my goals?” By doing so, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish—and how much less stress you’ll carry.