How to Redefine Busy
Everyone is looking for ways to be more productive. But it also seems like more people are too “busy” these days. People are hurrying all over the place, with hundreds of emails, calls, and reports to run every day.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why? I expect not, as you might be too busy! Having a productive workday can be exciting. However, people that excel in productivity aren’t necessarily focused on more things. In fact, Cognitive Psychology literature tells us the opposite; the more multi-tasking you do, the less efficient and accurate you become. If you want to be more productive, you have to stop being so “busy” and become intentional in what you choose to do.
Changing our perspective on busyness and the words we use to describe our day can shift our habits and how we decide to spend our time. Look away from your overflowing inbox and set aside your container of caffeine! Here are 5 words to ponder the next time you’re tempted to say you’re “busy”:
- Engaged: when you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself if you’re “engaged” with your work. Sometimes we feel busy because we think we should be doing something else. Re-evaluate your priorities and choose tasks that connect you to your goals.
- Full: we all know what it’s like to eat too much and the consequences of overstuffing our stomachs! A way to stop being so busy is to recognize when we have enough on our plate and choose wisely. Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg describes this notion as “Ruthless Prioritization ”, or doing the very best of your ideas.
- Dynamic: instead of being busy, let’s be dynamic, taking thoughtful and precise action, and inspiring new ideas. Quoting Thomas Edison, he stated “being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing”.
- Excited: instead of “having to”, “choose to” do things. Choose tasks that connect you back to what you find exciting and understand their ultimate purpose. Notice new aspects of your tasks and approach your goals with curiosity and openness to learning and evolving.
- Productive: celebrate your contributions and be proud about getting important things done!
We can work without being so busy. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, or dreading what needs to get done tomorrow, think about what’s important to you. You will learn about what is working for you and recognize things that need change. Take a moment to find out what busy means to you, and consider what you can do to become more engaged, excited, and productive at work.
