How To Unload The Extra Responsibilities Off Of Your Plate

When the pandemic happened I was more than willing to take on the challenge of live stream. It was clear that youth ministry, in the traditional fashion was going to hit the pause button for a while. At the time the most important thing was getting our parish online and I knew that I had the experience and ability to help. As restrictions lifted and the youth ministry programs resumed, it was clear I had to replace myself as the live streaming lead.

Fortunately, finding someone to take charge was not too difficult; however, as soon as that responsibility fell off my plate, new ones emerged. My capacity to do more seemingly increased. Instead of finding margin, I found more things to fill the time. The result was more stress and anxiety.

I do not like to boast about my busyness, in fact, I’m a little embarrassed to admit how much I have failed with time management and commitments. But, I’m human and we all find ourselves in seasons when our plates are overflowing with tasks and to-dos. It happens to all of us and if you are currently in a season where your schedule is busting at the seams, try the following steps:

ASK FOR HELP

Whenever my plate is loaded I call in two of my top volunteers to sit down and help me process the situation. I ask them to help me sort out the mess in front of me. They don’t have to solve any problems, just help me wrap my mind around what can seem like an unimaginable situation. At the end of a few sessions, my schedule isn’t any lighter, but I have clarity on how to proceed forward.

Asking for help is a humbling experience. While we don’t want people to see our mess, it’s necessary if we want to get out of it. When you are overwhelmed with life it is really hard to get started. Bringing in an outside perspective allows you the clarity you need to get all the thoughts out in the open so that you can move forward with important decisions.

SORT THE URGENT FROM THE IMPORTANT

Part of the reason we feel overwhelmed by responsibility is that we confuse the urgent from important. Urgent items are the things that pop up last minute, while important items matter most to the long-term success of the ministry.

When you don’t manage the urgent, it delays all the important tasks, getting you stuck in the same endless cycle. To manage the urgent so you can focus on important issues you need to know:

• What items only you should do for your ministry to be successful. You have specific talents and gifts. Your position holds certain responsibilities. Know those tasks and make sure you spend time on them every week.
• What is currently on your calendar. Poor time management leads to missed deadlines. Looking at our calendars allows us to determine whether or not we have the time to commit to anything new.

DELEGATE AND STEP OUT OF THE WAY

Delegating is simple but so hard to do. One of the obstacles we face is the guilt of handing over something we hate to do ourselves. Other times we’re afraid that people will be unable to live up to our expectations. Sharing and delegating responsibility is not so much of a practical issue as it is a spiritual one.

Anytime I struggle with passing on the responsibility I ask, “God, why don’t I trust you?” If I believe that God will send me the right people and resources to get the job done, then handing over responsibility should be a non-issue.

If you struggle to ask people to take ownership you need to check your heart. Spend time in prayer asking the Lord to mold it so that you can do what it takes to identify other leaders and commission them to run with the vision.

The reason delegation and sharing responsibility with others matters so much is because we are the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-6). It is a part of our Baptismal call to share the Good News and empower others to do the same. While we might replace ourselves in a specific role, it does not mean we become irrelevant.

So the next time you struggle with too much on your plate, ask yourself, “How’s my heart?” and find some people to help you pray through the situation, look at your calendar, and above all else, go to God. There is so much for the Church to accomplish, and you are needed to not only get the task done but invite others into the journey.

What struggles do you face with unloading your plate?

If you are looking for someone to help you sort through your mess, check out our coaching and cohort services.