Did you ever notice when you ask some folks how they’re doing, they respond that they’re really busy? I ask myself, “Is that good?” Are they suggesting that being busy shows how popular, in-demand, and successful they are? I guess their answer implies that the more frenzied they act, the better they’re doing. Does that make any sense to you?
Think about it…we pack our day with commitments until we don’t have a second to breathe. Then, when we’re at the end of our rope and can’t possibly do any more, we add one more commitment –– as if we’re trying to drive ourselves crazy. Of course, when the slightest thing goes wrong –– which always happens –– we get anxious and flip out. The house of cards collapses. Right? Rather than learn our lesson, we repeat the same mistake the next day. The truth is, we’re so busy being busy that we fail to see the error of our ways.
Are You Busy to a Fault?
Of course, if we had time to think about it, we’d certainly notice the stress and anxiety that this behavior creates. But there are other shortcomings that may not be as apparent. Consider the following:
If you weren’t so busy, you’d:
- Enjoy the moment rather than worrying about your next commitment.
- Organize activities in an efficient way rather than doing things haphazardly.
- Spend quality time with folks rather than being physically present but mentally absent.
- Determine the best way to do something rather than acting first –– thinking later.
- Build deep, trusting relationships rather than superficial ones.
- Tackle priorities rather than addressing easy items on your to-do list.
- Address the root cause of a problem rather than applying a band-aid solution.
- Show gratitude rather than worrying about wasting precious seconds.
- Do things right the first time rather than doing them over and over.
Start Doing More by Doing Less
Looking for ways to calm your hectic lifestyle? Try these 30 ideas on for size:
- Think before you do.
- Say “no.” (And don’t feel guilty about it.)
- Fight the BIG battles.
- Ignore distractions.
- Avoid the drama.
- Ask for help.
- Don’t look back.
- Never reinvent the wheel.
- Learn from others.
- Tell the truth.
- Combine similar tasks.
- Keep problems in perspective.
- Leave work at work.
- Appreciate what you have.
- Say, “I’m sorry.”
- Settle for excellence rather than perfection.
- Find a shortcut.
- Let it go.
- Learn from mistakes –– yours and others.
- Plan for an emergency.
- Be honest with yourself.
- Prioritize.
- Learn the meaning of enough.
- Unsubscribe.
- Know your limits.
- Think ahead.
- Delegate.
- Remember…you’re human.
- Listen to your conscience.
- Just relax.
Do You Wear a Frantic Lifestyle as a Badge of Honor?
We’re running, running, running. Did you ever stop…and ask yourself why? Is being really busy all that it’s cracked up to be? Is living a frantic lifestyle making you more productive, helping you to establish stronger relationships, or improving your quality of life?
We should give up the notion that more is always better, quantity is always preferable to quality, and that being busy is always better than having some slack in your day. The truth is that squeezing one more thing into your day doesn’t always make things better. In fact, it can actually make things worse. Do you spend more time looking at your watch than living in the moment? Slow down. Relax. Take some time to think. You may find that’s just what the doctor ordered. Happiness is a result of balance rather than intensity.
Are You Too Busy for Your Own Good?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
30 Habits That Create Enormous Stress
Lighten Up…And Take a Deep Breath
Doing Nothing Is Time Well Spent
Living in the Fast Lane
30 Powerful Tips to Reduce Stress in Your Life
42 Ways to Make Your Life Easier
You May Regret Not Reading This
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Frank, I used to wear a frantic lifestyle as a badge of honor. Back in college,
I used to wear it like the overfilled book bag on my shoulder. For example, one semester I took Anatomy, Physics, Statistics, Chemistry, and General Ed classes on top of my part-time job.
It’s no surprise that I was mentally depleted by the end.
Funny thing is after I got the degree in Biology (was a Nursing student) I didn’t work in science ever again. ^_^
Busy is not a badge of honor.
You have a lot of company, Sara.
Sometimes people lead a hectic life because that’s what life delivers; other times people lead a hectic life because they do it to themselves.
Have an awesome day!
Best,
Frank
Hi Frank,
I just discovered your blog. Great content. I believe that busy is the beast that is fueling our procrastination. I know the busier I make myself, the more I can justify the procrastination. Until the procrastination leads me to a deadline, then I complete the project but only haphazardly. Of course, Miss Busy gets all the blame. That’s my interpretation. Let me know what you think.
Peace ~ Cindy Coates
Pres. Of P.U. Procrastinator’s United
Interesting point Cindy.
I’ve heard people say they’re so busy, they don’t have time to get things done 🙂 I think they may be more interested in looking busy than accomplishing something.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank