The Q1 Reset: What to Delegate Now to Start the Year Focused (Not Frazzled)

January has a way of showing up loud, especially while trying to regulate schedules after the holidays and easing back into business. 

The beginning of the year also brings the excitement of new goals, new plans, but also new pressure to do it all at once. And suddenly, before Q1 is even halfway through, you’re behind and overwhelmed.

Q1 is the perfect time to reset how you work, protect your energy, and decide what actually deserves your attention this year so you can actually achieve the goals you set for yourself.

1. Administrative Tasks 

Admin work is sneaky (and let’s just call it out- annoying). It feels small, but it can steal a lot of time away from moving forward. This admin work can include:

• Inbox and calendar management

• Scheduling meetings and follow-ups

• Travel planning and expense tracking

• Social media  and marketing

These tasks require attention, but what you are giving to these daily housekeeping tasks steals you away from networking, brainstorming new ideas, and creating new systems. 

Tip: If you’re not quite ready for delegation, try scheduling your tasks in blocks. For example, Monday mornings clear the inbox, Tuesday mornings are for posting and marketing. 

2. Repetitive or Scheduled Tasks 

If you can do it without thinking, you probably shouldn’t be doing it at all. Many businesses run on scheduled newsletters, cadences, or copy/paste social media lead responses and post responses. These typically take some time to get systems in order or templates created, but once those are taken care of, delegating repetitive work frees up mental space.

Tip: Thinking of tasks in your business that happen repetitively, like newsletters, monthly email check-ins with clients, etc., would benefit from a written procedures manual. This way, you are tracking your “actions” once, but someone else can take them and run with them.

3. Projects that Don’t Require YOU

This one can be hard to admit because often we like to hold onto things since we have always done it that way.

Is this something that requires your expertise, your personality, or your services directly? If not, delegate it.

For example:

• Scheduling appointments

• Tracking clients

• Invoicing

• Vendor research 

These are vital to keeping a business running, but do not necessarily need YOU to be in the driver's seat. 

Your time is better spent on things that do require you, such as:

• Client consultations

• Strategy and decision-making

• Relationship building and networking

Delegation isn’t about letting go; it’s about letting your role evolve.

How to Practically Delegate

Delegation shouldn’t feel like babysitting or more work for yourself. 

A few best practices:

• Start small, delegate one category, not everything

• Document the process once (even loosely)

• Allow room for learning and refinement

The goal isn’t perfection on day one. It’s peace of mind.

First Steps:

1. Write down everything you do in a week

2. Highlight what only you can do

3. Circle what could be delegated

4. Choose one thing to hand off

That’s it! 

How a VA can Help:

Once you figure out what you can (and can’t) delegate, let a VA help take the next step with you. From managing admin and repetitive tasks to supporting systems, the right VA partnership allows you to focus on growth and the work that truly moves your business forward.