A few years ago, one of my clients hosted a bowling outing as a morale/team building activity for her company. We laughed about the experience of bowling especially if you don’t play it often. She recommended that it’s easier to play when you use a lighter ball.

Of course, when I heard this, I thought about how often we do things the “hard way” in the workplace, when using a “lighter ball” would make life so much easier.

Many managers make things much harder than they need to. They stress out over what to say, how to say it, what to do, the right timing… you get the idea.

What can you do to carry a lighter ball?

Delegate more. Yes, someone else will do something differently than you will, but effective coaching or guidelines will lead to the desired result. And it will lighten your to-do list.

Ask. Don’t try to do everything alone. Speak with others who may have the knowledge or expertise that can help you.

Take a break. Often, the ball gets heavier because we work non-stop without taking a break. Even a brisk five-minute walk around the block (or your parking lot) can refresh perspective.

Make a phone call. Reach out to a client or colleague you haven’t talked to recently. That conversation will trigger fresh perspective. (Yes, a phone call; not an email!)

The holiday season has already begun with a bang, which can often result in carrying heavier balls. Keep these tips in mind so that you can stay agile during the weeks ahead.

Header image by Anna Shvets/Pexels.