This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

S2 Episode 27 We Thought Learning How to Delegate Would Be Easy

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In this episode, Amy and Cheryl dig into the messy, often misunderstood, and absolutely necessary practice of delegation. From laundry lessons to grading papers to letting AI pick up some of the load, they explore the ways we resist delegation, the excuses we use, and how learning to let go can bring freedom, growth, and even joy – and it’s NOT cheating!

Highlights

  • Why women, in particular, often struggle with delegation and mental load.
  • The common excuses: “It’s faster if I do it myself” and “No one can do it as well as I can.”
  • Teaching kids life skills through delegation (laundry, cooking, chores).
  • Delegation at work: handing off grading, sharing responsibilities, using AI.
  • Avoiding micromanagement and learning to trust the process.
  • How genuine recognition of others’ strengths builds trust and connection.

    • Themes

    • Delegation as survival: letting go to reduce burnout.
    • Life skills and empowerment: giving others the tools to thrive.
    • Redefining success: focusing on outcomes instead of perfection.
    • Mental load and fairness: sharing responsibility beyond just tasks.
    • Identity and control: questioning why we tie self-worth to “doing it all.”

      • Listener’s Challenge

      Identify one task this week that you could delegate. Ask yourself: Is this something only I can do? Or is this something someone else could take on and even enjoy? Then actually hand it off  whether to a family member, a colleague, or even technology. We’d love to know how it goes!

       

      Ask Yourself Some Questions

      1. What tasks drain my energy but could easily be done by someone else?
      2. Do I struggle to delegate because I want control, or because I haven’t built trust?
      3. How might teaching someone else a skill benefit them in the long run?
      4. Am I delegating tasks and the mental load, or am I still carrying the hidden weight?
      5. Where am I micromanaging instead of trusting the process?

        6.  

        Key Quotes (Amy & Cheryl)

        • “The day I step into adulthood is the day I take 100% responsibility for my actions… including sharing the love.” – Cheryl
        • “It will take you longer to explain it once, twice, maybe three times. But then you’re not the one doing it anymore.” – Amy
        • “My proud moment was walking into the laundry room and catching my son teaching his younger cousin how to do laundry.” – Cheryl
        • “Delegation isn’t a weakness.” – Cheryl
        • “Sometimes delegating the mental load is what we really need to do.” – Amy
        • “Which matters more; the how or the what? That’s the key to avoiding micromanagement.” – Amy
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          This Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastBy supposedtobeeasy