Top 10 Symptoms of the Dreaded "Lone Ranger Syndrome" (and How to Get Over It)

by Linda C. Puig, president of Claire Communications

As solo professionals or small business owners, it's easy to fall prey to the dreaded "Lone Ranger Syndrome." That's the illness that makes us say things like, "It's just better if I do it myself," and "I can't afford to outsource," and "It'll have to wait until I can get to it."

Here are some hints that this disease (read that again…"dis-ease") may have struck you:

1. You do all of your bookkeeping once a year, usually the week before April 15.

2. The "great outdoors" has become just a concept.

3. Your "to-do" list is taller than your teenage son (and would consume as much of your energy as he consumes food!).

4. Your organizational strategy being what it is ("The Paper Bag Sweep"), you have nine full paper bags stacked in the corner near your desk.

5. You have an uncharacteristically free Sunday and no clue what to do.

6. You think HTML stands for "Hate That Machine Language."

7. You find yourself preferring a "sharp poke in the eye with a stick" over writing an article for your business.

8. "Send out a newsletter" has been on your "to-do" list for three years running.

9. Your brother-in-law (a recently retired dentist) has offered to do your website.

10. You've forgotten the color of the inside of your eyelids.
    

To put a little more ease in your life, ask yourself these questions:

1. How important is this task to the well-being of my business? To the growth of my business?

2. Do I really need to do this myself? Why?

3. Do I really have the skills I need to do a good job at this task?

4. Do I really want to learn the skills I'll need to do this task well?

5. How much time would I realistically spend completing this task at a standard that I would like?

6. Multiply that realistic time estimate by your hourly rate, and ask again, "Is it really cost-effective for me to do this task?"

7. What am I afraid of if I let someone else do this task?

8. Is there some portion of a task that I can let go of, if not the entire thing?

9. What else could I be doing for my business with the time I've saved by outsourcing a task?

10. What else could I be doing for myself with the time I've saved? How does taking care of myself that way help my business?

We're big believers in outsourcing, here at Claire Communications. In fact, we think of it more as building a support team. As newsletter specialists, we're ready to play a role on your support team whenever you're ready. Visit www.NewslettersForTherapists.com, www.NewsletterForCoaches.com or www.articlesforsale.net. And don't hesitate to call if you have questions: 866-200-6945.

©2005 Claire Communications.

You may reprint this, but it must be complete and include the copyright and the following information: Linda Puig is the president of Claire Communications, a company specializing in newsletters and articles for therapists and coaches.