Guest post by by Cass Mullane, Accountability Coach, Right-Brain Business Plan® Licensed Facilitator, Prosper Creatively, LLC

We’re all superheroes.

That’s right, we all have superpowers and whether we’re aware of it or not, we know how to use them. But do you want to know the quickest way to squelch your superpowers? By not using them!

When you are a talented graphic artist and you spend day after day, week after week trying to figure out how to run your client management system all by yourself, you’re playing with kryptonite. Rather than hiring someone who knows the system, you’re burying your superpower. And when you bury your superpower, you lose your ability to fully tap into it when you need it. Hire someone who knows the system and loves doing that sort of work and get back to what you love best… stellar graphic design.

Some people pride themselves in claiming that they do everything all by themselves. That’s great, but are you doing everything well? I’ll bet you’re not. There is no badge of honor for getting all the day to day stuff done while your business goes nowhere. There are things you’re really good at and things you’re not so good at. Your tasks may be done-ish, but at what cost? Are the client billables piling up? Are you looking at a long list of customer follow up calls that you cannot seem to get to? Have you reviewed and updated your business plan? Is other work piling up? Are you enjoying time for play and for self-care? Are you able to sleep well at night?

Superwoman doesn’t do windows.

Superwoman focuses on what she excels at. She takes on the tasks that only she can do. She knows where her weaknesses are and she doesn’t do work that can be done better by someone else. In essence, she outsources the operational left-brained work with clear expectations and objectives. The creative right-brain work she does by herself and with her team of creative cohorts.

Now, I can already hear the objections: “I can’t afford it.” “I can do it quicker myself.” Stop it! Sure it costs money, but paying someone a few dollars while your time is freed up to go out and earn hundreds or thousands is a no brainer. Maybe you can do it quicker, but is it an income generating activity? Why not pay someone to do tasks that are not your strength and focus your time and energy and creativity on tasks that no one else but you can do.

So here’s a way to offload the things that are burying your superpowers:
1. Identify what will move your business forward that only you can do
2. Identify the things that are not your strength that need to be done
3. Start moving that work off your plate onto the plate of someone who enjoys that work. (In other words, tap into their superpower!)
4. Fill your newly reclaimed available time with revenue generating work
5. Keep reviewing the list regularly to make sure you’re maximizing your time and your creative energy.

The bottom line: Unless you’re in the business of washing windows, take window washing off your list!

Cass Mullane is an artist with an MBA. Cass’ calm, comfortable approach consistently yields positive results for clients. Her business and personal coaching practice, www.ProsperCreatively.com, specializes in delivering solid left brain business skills to right brainers and creatives in a fun, visual way. She’s a best selling author, textile and mixed media artist and creator of the Cool Stuff Jar™ coaching program. You can also visit Cass on Facebook!