I cut my own hair.

No, it was not just the pandemic- I have been doing it for at least the past 10 years.

It’s not about being cheap.

It’s not about being a perfectionist.

It’s about TIME.

Here’s the truth:

I’m obsessed with reclaiming time. Not just to check off a to-do list, but to invest that time into what truly matters.

And here’s where it gets interesting:

Not everything should be outsourced.

Not everything should be automated.

Some things? You’re better off doing them yourself.

Let’s Talk Haircuts

You’d think delegation and outsourcing a haircut would be the obvious choice, right? Wrong.

Let’s break it down:

• Book an appointment.
• Drive to the salon.
• Wait.
• Get the cut.
• Drive home.

That’s 90 minutes.

Cutting my own hair? 20 minutes.

No, it’s not perfect.

No, no one’s ever noticed.

Yes, it works.

Efficiency doesn’t mean skipping steps. It means reclaiming control of what you can—and should—do yourself.

But let’s take this beyond haircuts.

The Clinical Research Connection

The same principle applies to clinical research.

For example, too many researchers think statistical analysis is something you fully outsource.

Big mistake.❌

Sure, you need a statistician. That’s non-negotiable.

But relying on them for everything? That’s your bottleneck.

Outsourcing it all means waiting—sometimes for weeks. Meanwhile, your project stalls, your momentum fades, and frustration builds.

The smarter move?

• Learn the basics of statistical analysis.
• Collaborate with your statistician on strategy.
• Do the groundwork yourself.
• Review their work instead of relying on them for every detail.

This approach is faster. It’s more efficient. And it works.

But What About the Joy?

Another thing to consider is: outsourcing isn’t just about time—it’s about fulfillment.

Have you ever noticed how some tasks, even if they take time, bring you joy? Writing, for example.

When I write these blog posts or LinkedIn posts, I could easily outsource the entire process. But I don’t.

Why? Because writing keeps me connected to my audience. It’s deeply personal. The satisfaction of crafting something in my own voice? That’s irreplaceable.

If an AI bot replied to comments on my posts, would it feel as meaningful?

If I outsourced every word, would I feel proud of my work?

Doubtful.

ROI isn’t just about time saved—it’s about value gained. Sometimes, the value lies in the joy of doing it yourself.

The 10-80-10 Rule

But let’s be clear: you can’t do everything yourself.

That’s why I follow the 10-80-10 rule that Dan Martell describes in his bestseller “Buy Back Time”.

For example, this is how I implement it in academic writing:

1. Spend 10% of your time designing the process. (Define your key findings, draft the story outline, frame your approach.)
2. Delegate 80% of the grunt work. (Let a statistician write the methods section, for example. OR you can have your mentee draft the manuscript after working with them on STEP 1 above)
3. Take the final 10% to refine and polish. (Bring it home with your revisions and final edits.)

This rule helps you strike the perfect balance. You retain ownership of the parts that bring the most value (or joy), while outsourcing the repetitive tasks that don’t.

The result? You save time and still maintain control over the outcome.

Don’t Delegate Mindlessly

Outsourcing isn’t bad—it’s essential. But it needs to be intentional.

Ask yourself:

• Does outsourcing save time and deliver value?
• Or does it cost you more than it’s worth—time, skill, or fulfillment?

Sometimes, rolling up your sleeves and doing it yourself is the smartest move. Other times, collaboration is the key.

This Week’s Action Step

Think about one task you’re outsourcing (or plan to). Could you learn it, streamline it, and save time in the long run?

Efficiency isn’t about doing more. It’s about focusing on what matters.

Remember Peter Drucker’s words:

“Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right thing“