Happy New Year, Superhero!

What’s your to-do list look like? Is it a mile long? Filled with things for your business that need to get done? Plus activities for your kids? A few errands you need to run? A commitment you made to volunteer? A coffee meetup with a potential client? And then a few more things that require your attention?

Do you also find that you are suffering from:

Bouts of irritability?
Inability to sleep or excessive sleep?
Memory issues?
Muscle tension?
Anxiety?
Sweating when not physically active?
Inability to concentrate?
General aches and pains?

According to Scripps Health, if your list sounds a lot like this and you’re experiencing some of these physical signs of stress, then you’re probably suffering from Superhero Syndrome.

Yes, it’s just what you think it is! It’s a person who feels pressured to do it all. And if this is you, you may be getting it done, but you’re probably not getting it done well.

Because there is a definite difference between doing it all – and doing it all well.

And, while your to-do list is long, do you know what else I notice? I notice that there’s no time on that list for you to spend a few minutes focusing on yourself or even taking time to catch your breath. It’s all go-go-go! With no space for anything that may come up (including a glass a water or trip to the bathroom!)

So, while I don’t want to add to your to-do list, there are two words I want you to keep in mind this year: delegate and prioritize.

Try these on as your two new superpowers.

Let’s start with “delegate.”

This one can be hard – because like most people, you probably don’t want to give up control. (**Yes, I see you nodding. And I completely understand.**)

But delegating is a superpower every successful business owner has in their arsenal, and you can, too.

When you are able to delegate, you are able to free yourself up for the tasks that no one but you can handle, or the tasks where you are strongest, or the tasks that are going to propel your business forward. It also allows you to be supported by others who share your vision and will work to make you better. (BTW – If you need some practice in delegating, check out Forbes’ article: “Three Rules for Effective Delegating.” The three rules are easy to implement and you may find you don’t need #3 when you have the right people supporting you!)

And then there’s your second superpower – “prioritize.”

Now, I LOVE a good list or plan. L-O-V-E. And they definitely serve a purpose. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that my list does me no good if I do not spend some time prioritizing things.

In December, I spent some time prioritizing the goals on my business plan for the upcoming year – and it felt amazing to have it done. It’s so beneficial to have those goals prioritized and in a form that allows me to easily look at them so I can remind myself what I’m working for.

Additionally, each day, I quickly prioritize the tasks that need to get done in my Momentum Planner – and I always start with the “big things.” When the big things get done early on, you set the tone for your entire day.

And let’s not forget to balance between the urgent and the important. (It’s really easy for Superheros to think it’s ALL urgent – when in reality – it’s not.)

So, are you ready to add “delegate” and “prioritize” to your superpowers this year? How are you going to make it happen?