October 2026 Edition
A Note from the Desk
October is here, and I don't know about you, but there's something about this time of the year that makes me want to get things in order.
Maybe it's the change of seasons, the realization that we're heading into the final stretch of the year, or simply knowing how quickly the holidays will be here.
For small business owners, this season can bring an extra-long to-do list. There are projects to finish, clients to serve, plans to make, and all those everyday details that don't stop just because life gets busy.
And if you're like many entrepreneurs, your first instinct is probably to just keep doing it all yourself.
After all, it's your business. You know how you like things done. And sometimes it feels easier to just take care of something than explain it to someone else.
But here's a thought I want to share with you this month:
Just because you're capable of doing something doesn't mean you're the one who needs to do it.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business isn't adding more to your plate. It's deciding what no longer needs to be there.
The Right-Hand Tip
5 Things You Should Stop Doing Yourself
Take a look at your typical workweek. How much of your time is spent on things that keep your business running but don't actually require your personal attention?
Here are five places you might be able to lighten your load.
Managing Every Email-Sorting messages, organizing your inbox, flagging important conversations, and keeping track of follow-ups can take more time than you realize.
Scheduling Every Appointment-Between coordinating calendars, sending confirmations, and rescheduling meetings, those little interruptions add up.
Handling Routine Client Follow-Ups-Welcome emails, appointment reminders, check-ins, and follow-up messages are important, but they don't always have to come directly from you.
Keeping Everything Organized-Spreadsheets, digital files, documents, contact lists, and project boards all need attention. Having someone maintain them can make your entire workday run more smoothly.
Tackling Those Projects You Keep Putting Off-You know the ones. They move from Monday's list to Friday's list and somehow end up on next month's list. Sometimes all they need is someone who has the time to finally get them done.
Here's the question: Which of these tasks really needs you, and which simply needs someone dependable to take care of it?
Take It Off Your Desk
Try the 15-Minute Delegation Exercise
This week, set aside 15 minutes and write down the tasks you find yourself doing over and over again.
Then ask yourself three questions:
Does this task require my specific knowledge or expertise?
Is this something someone else could do with a little guidance?
What could I do with the time I'd get back?
Circle just ONE task that you could hand off.
You don't have to delegate everything at once. Sometimes the biggest relief comes from letting go of one small thing that's been weighing on you.
Worth a Look
Create a "Not My Job Anymore" List
Here's a simple idea that doesn't require another app, subscription, or complicated system.
Open a note on your phone or a document on your computer and title it:
Things I Don't Need to Be Doing
Every time you catch yourself thinking, "I really wish someone else could handle this," add it to the list.
Don't worry about whether you're ready to hire help today. Just start noticing where your time is going.
When you're ready to bring someone alongside you, you'll already have a starting point.
And you might be surprised by how quickly that list grows!
A Little Encouragement
You Don't Have to Carry it All
I think sometimes we wear our busyness like a badge of honor.
We convince ourselves that being responsible means handling everything, staying available, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
But there's a difference between being responsible for something and believing you have to do every part of it yourself.
One of my favorite reminders comes from the story of Moses in Exodus 18. Moses was trying to carry the responsibility of helping everyone on is own until his father-in-law encouraged him to share the work with other capable people.
It's such a simple reminder that even good, meaningful work isn't always meant to be carried alone.
And maybe that's something you need to hear this month.
Asking for help doesn't mean you're doing less. It may be what allows you to give your best to the things that matter most.
You have gifts, ideas, and a purpose behind what you're building.
Make sure the everyday details aren't taking all the time and energy you need to pursue them.
From My Desk to Yours
As we move into these last few months of the year, I hope you'll give yourself permission to look at your to-do list a little differently.
Not everything on it needs your name beside it.
Maybe this is the season to simplify a few things, finish something you've been putting off, or finally ask for the help you've been thinking about.
And if you need someone to come alongside you, I'd love to have that conversation.
Let's take something off your desk and make more time for what matters.
From my desk to yours,
Tricia D. Larm
The Right Hand Desk
Where dependable support meets genuine partnership.
www.therighthanddesk.com
