As small biz owners we bootstrap—Do it Yourself—and learn everything from accounting to web design in the hopes of keeping more of the green in the bank. It’s a sane idea on the surface…

And then comes the realization that there isn’t much green coming in but the stuff going out never seems to stop.

And that’s where you can get stuck.

No $ coming in. Lots going out.

Yeah. Not a good business model, eh?

However, the costs of DIY are not only the mountain of un-billable hours, but there’s a huge emotional cost too.

The feeling of spinning your wheels and not getting anywhere is disheartening.

The fact that you’re spending all of your time on administration when you could be spending time on what you’re gifted at—the reason you started your business—is frustrating and crazy-making.

I know. Because I’m in the midst of it myself. Yesterday my brain was so mixed up and confused with details and emails and adminny things that I didn’t get a lick of my real work done. I handled client concerns & a little bit of work that needed to be done but I felt frazzled and I knew I hadn’t accomplished much that day.

That sense of not accomplishing what I set out to do hit me particularly hard, not only because my defenses are worn thin but because I didn’t do my real work.

So I made a promise to myself to get help. And soon. A lawyer, accountant and housekeeper are at the top of my list

If you are stuck in your biz and can’t figure out why you’re not bringing in the money like you should, take a minute to write down everything that you do yourself that isn’t your real work.

Shocking. Isn’t it?

You know you can’t go on like this right? Burnout comes quickly to those who are out of alignment with their purpose. And I’m pretty sure that you’re not really meant to do some of those things on that list.

I challenge you to pick one thing off that list and find a way to delegate it to someone else. Beg, borrow or barter if that’s your thing. (More on bartering later…)

And remember that you are your business’ greatest asset. If you’re tied up doing everything but your real work, then you’re depriving yourself of income and the world of your awesomeness.

I’d love to know what you’re thinking of delegating. Leave your mark below.

If you need help with your creative business or are itching to start one but don’t know where to begin, head over to Thrive Creative Coaching where I help creatives make more art, make more money and kick lots of ass in the process.