When we think of outsourcing, we typically imagine delegating tasks to someone else—whether to a colleague, a professional service, or a virtual assistant. But what if you could “outsource” tasks to yourself? While it might sound contradictory, outsourcing to yourself involves assigning tasks to your “future self” or creating systems that allow you to handle tasks more efficiently at a later time.

This approach can be a powerful time management strategy when used correctly, but it also comes with potential pitfalls. Let’s explore what it means to outsource to yourself, when it works, and how to make it effective.

What Does It Mean to Outsource to Yourself?

Outsourcing to yourself involves deferring or scheduling tasks for a specific time when you can handle them more effectively or efficiently. Instead of tackling everything immediately, you consciously decide to handle certain tasks later—under better circumstances.

Examples of Outsourcing to Yourself:

  • Batching Tasks: Scheduling a specific time to process emails, rather than addressing them as they come in throughout the day.
  • Automating Decisions: Using tools like meal prep or outfit planning to simplify choices for your future self.
  • Deferring Low-Priority Tasks: Deciding to tackle less urgent tasks during a designated block of time, instead of letting them clutter your immediate to-do list.
  • Creating Templates or Systems: Building reusable templates, checklists, or processes that your future self can easily execute without rethinking the task.

Benefits of Outsourcing to Yourself

1. Reduces Decision Fatigue

By assigning certain tasks to a planned time or system, you free up mental energy to focus on more pressing priorities.

  • Example: Instead of deciding what to cook every night, you can meal prep on Sundays, outsourcing the daily decision-making to your past self.

2. Promotes Focus and Flow

When tasks are deferred to designated times, your mind isn’t cluttered with unrelated obligations. This allows you to concentrate fully on the task at hand.

  • Example: Saving all admin work for Friday afternoons lets you dedicate focused time to creative projects earlier in the week.

3. Encourages Strategic Planning

Outsourcing to yourself forces you to think ahead. It requires setting realistic priorities and understanding when you’ll be most productive.

  • Example: Scheduling a brainstorming session for a time of day when you’re mentally sharp helps you tackle creative tasks effectively.

Potential Pitfalls

1. Procrastination Risks

Deferring tasks to your future self can slide into procrastination if you’re not intentional. Without a clear plan, tasks may pile up, leaving your future self overwhelmed.

2. Overloading Future You

Outsourcing too much to yourself can backfire. If you assign too many tasks for tomorrow, next week, or next month, you’re simply shifting today’s stress to another time.

3. Loss of Momentum

Some tasks are best handled in the moment. Waiting to address them might mean losing the context or motivation to complete them later.

How to Outsource to Yourself Effectively

  1. Be Intentional: Only defer tasks that don’t need immediate attention. If something can be done quickly and easily, tackle it now rather than outsourcing it.
  2. Schedule It: Don’t just “defer” tasks to an ambiguous later time. Assign a specific date and time to revisit them. Use tools like digital calendars or task management apps to ensure nothing gets lost.
  3. Create Systems: Use checklists, templates, or automation tools to simplify tasks for your future self. For example, create an email template for routine responses or automate bill payments.
  4. Balance the Load: Be realistic about what your future self can handle. Avoid cramming too many deferred tasks into the same day.
  5. Use Reminders: Set up reminders for tasks you’ve outsourced to ensure you follow through at the planned time.

Is It a Good Time Management Strategy?

Outsourcing to yourself can be an excellent time management strategy when used thoughtfully. It allows you to prioritize, focus, and reduce unnecessary mental clutter. However, its effectiveness depends on planning, discipline, and the ability to avoid procrastination.

At its best, outsourcing to yourself helps you work smarter, not harder. It’s about creating systems and schedules that empower your future self to be productive, stress-free, and efficient.

Conclusion

While it may sound paradoxical, outsourcing to yourself is a valuable strategy for managing time and energy. By deferring non-urgent tasks, batching repetitive work, and leveraging systems, you can lighten your mental load and focus on what matters most.

The key is to strike a balance: treat your future self with respect by being realistic about what you can handle. When done well, outsourcing to yourself is less about postponing work and more about creating a smarter, more sustainable workflow.