So that everyone can benefit, I'm going to tell you like I tell all those people who call & write: You can get out of this "doing everything" trap and get a lot more done in process. Here's how:

1. YOU CAN'T DO EVERYTHING ANYWAY

Face it: If you could do everything, none of rest of us would have to worry about anything, would we? Truth is that there's always much more to be done than there is time to do it.

When you realize that you're not going to get it all done by yourself it gets a whole lot easier to do what work you do have to do.

2. JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A LOT TO DO DOESN'T MEAN IT ALL NEEDS DOING

Closely examine stuff on your "to do" or projects list. Some of it just doesn't need doing. Not now at any rate. And in some cases, not ever.

Don't believe me? Put it at bottom of list and leave it there for a while. You'll see.

3. SAY "NO" MORE THAN YOU SAY "YES"

Wayne Gretzky once said, "One hundred percent of shots I don't make don't go in." Likewise, unasked question is never answered.

2. Don't beat around bush.

Just ask!

3. If it's an extraordinary request, say so.

BIG requests are often best requests. Be 100% upfront and honest about what you want and what's involved.

4. If request is work that YOU normally (or should) do, explain why you can't. You don't need to provide tons of detail, but again, be honest with person you're making request of (and with yourself).

5. Don't assume you know what answer will be. Maybe they'll say "No." Of course, they might say "Yes."