How Being "Busy" Will NOT Allow You to Feel, Act, and Be Rich
“I just don’t have time.”
“There is just not enough time.”
“Time goes by too quickly.”
“Where does the time go?”
Have you ever thought or utter these words?
I will be the first to confess that I have!
How is it that some of us do not have time to do things that we commit to, while other people get things done and still take off for 3 and 4 day weekends?
If we all have 24 hours a day, how is it that successful people accomplish so much while most of us mere mortals do not?
We live in a world where busyness is often seen as a badge of honor. We're encouraged to be constantly working, hustling, and grinding in order to achieve success.
I used to sing a song in the mornings that said: “every day I’m hustling”. I was proud to tell people “I am a workaholic – I am a busy person”. I used to feel so good about “being busy” – that is until I realized that I was busy for the “sake” of being busy. I was not busy focusing on where I wanted to be or how I wanted to show up as my best and highest future self.
I have realized that I wasted too much time doing things that were just not productive. You may be thinking, “Yeah – yeah!” I know you have heard this before – “work smart, not hard” but how many of us actually work smart?
The 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, asserts that 80% of outcomes result from 20% of inputs. In business and in life, I believe expert productivity psychologists say that the goal is to identify what is most productive and focus on doing the things that matter most.
But why do we do it? Why do some of us “love” to be busy?
The authors of a research study published in the Journal of Consumer Research indicate that an individual's perceived level of busyness may be heavily connected to their self-worth, as well as how others view their status. Individuals who are busy by choice may feel needed, in demand, and important, thus elevating their feelings of self-worth.
While being busy may temporarily have a positive impact on your self-esteem because you may feel important, if you are so busy that you are unable to practice daily self-care, your overall well-being may decline. Even though it may feel challenging to shift from being “busy” by disconnecting from unnecessary obligations, taking time for yourself can significantly boost the quality of your life.
You must not confuse being "busy" with being successful because being busy does not necessarily result in success. Being busy but not productive towards a worthwhile personal goal is just a waste of your time.
The unconscious obsession with busyness can actually be detrimental to our ability to feel, act, and be truly rich in every area of our lives.
Here's how busyness may not allow you to Feel, Act, and Be Rich.
Busyness doesn't allow you to feel.
When we're constantly busy, we don't have time to pause and reflect on our emotions. We push aside our feelings in order to keep moving forward and getting things done. However, this can lead to a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others. We may struggle to form meaningful connections and relationships because we're not in touch with our own emotions.
Busyness doesn't allow you to act with intention.
When we're always busy, we're often reactive instead of proactive. We're constantly putting out fires and responding to urgent requests, rather than taking the time to think about what we really want and need. This can lead to a sense of aimlessness and lack of purpose. We may find ourselves going through the motions, rather than living intentionally and with purpose.
Being "busy” will not allow you to be rich in the way that matters most.
When we're focused on being busy, we can lose sight of what truly matters in life. We may prioritize being "busy" over our health, relationships, and personal growth. This can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, even if you experience some glimpses of success from those tasks and activities that keep you busy.
So, what can we do to break free from the trap of busyness and cultivate a richer life?
Slow down and create space for yourself.
Take time each day to slow down and create space for your self-care. This could be through meditation, journaling, or simply taking a walk in nature. By giving yourself time and space to reflect, you'll be better able to connect with your emotions and desires.
Set clear intentions and commit to them.
Take time every morning to set clear intentions for your day and for your life by using my F.A.B. Rich Future Self Now Journal. Think about what truly matters to you and what you want to achieve to become your future self. This will help you act with purpose and intention, rather than just reacting to what's in front of you.
Prioritize what truly matters to you now and in your future.
Make a conscious effort to prioritize what truly matters in your life. This may mean scaling back on work, extracurricular activities and focusing more on your health, relationships, and personal growth. By focusing on what truly matters, you'll be able to create a richer and more fulfilling life.
Ask yourself why are you so busy?
Ask Yourself These Questions Now to Find Out.
1) Am I able to articulate why I'm busy and what specific goals I'm trying to achieve?
2) Do I find myself feeling anxious or uncomfortable when I have free time or downtime?
3) Am I constantly seeking external validation or recognition for my busyness?
4) Do I feel a sense of guilt or shame when I'm not busy or productive?
5) Am I neglecting my health, relationships, or personal growth because of my busyness?
6) Am I using busyness as a way to avoid dealing with difficult emotions or challenges in my life?
7) Have I taken the time to reflect on what truly matters to me and what kind of life I want to create for myself?
8) Are the things that keep me busy aligned with my long-term goals and intentions?
In conclusion, remember, busyness can be a trap that prevents us from truly feeling, acting, and being rich. By slowing down, setting clear intentions and priorities, and focusing on what truly matters, we can break free from this trap and create a life that is truly rich in all the ways that matter.
To learn more about how you can actually accomplish more by doing less and STOP being “busy” for the sake of busyness, feel free to check out our upcoming F.A.B. Rich Future Self Retreat by visiting:
