Do you say it? You do. I know you do. I do, too.
“I’m too busy.”
Most of us say it. Some of us say it a lot.
We’ve created a culture in our society where busy is a status symbol. Somehow we think that the busier we are, the more important we are.
And you know what? Most of the time it’s the lie we tell ourselves.
You’re really not too busy. Not for the most important stuff. It’s just that all the less important or unimportant stuff has clogged up the works.
So, here’s the question…
Why do we put ourselves in that predicament? Where we let less unimportant or unimportant stuff rule our days? Where we create such artificial urgency and tell ourselves and others the big lie…that we’re “too busy?”
Partly, it’s our culture. It’s cool to be too busy. We believe that busy equals better. We tell ourselves that If we aren’t too busy, we aren’t important.
And the truth is that it can feel good when you are in high demand…when people are waiting in line to get your attention. So, you make yourself busy, even if you are not productive.
And maybe…just maybe…it’s because you’re choosing to deceive yourself. To tell yourself the big lie rather than taking the risk and responsibility of sorting things out, setting priorities, making tough choices, and following your plan.
The sad truth is…when you’re “too busy” you miss some truly important opportunities.
Like the chance to think and strategize, to exchange ideas and brainstorm with others, to investigate opportunities that don’t follow the usual path.
So, just for today, stop lying to yourself. Instead of telling yourself that you are too busy, take just one really-not-important thing off your plate.
With that time, call a colleague to talk through an idea you’ve put on the backburner, or support a team member in solving a problem. Better yet, take a little extra time for self-care.
All the important stuff will still get done. And maybe some of that stress you’ve been feeling will disappear.
You truly can stop being “too busy.” It’s one baby step at a time.
Trust yourself to make good choices. What will you take off your list today? And what will you do with your “found” time?
Make it something good.
Blessings,
