Have you ever asked your girlfriend how they were doing and instead of saying OK or I’m good, their standard reply was “I’m so busy!” I have responded that way more times than I care to admit. I can usually run down a list of what I have to get done…from appointments, meetings, tasks for work, errands to run for home….I mean the list keeps going! And while it all has to get done, trying to squeeze too many activities into too few hours can leave you overwhelmed and feeling unaccomplished. If I’m truthful with myself, I have to admit that even saying “I’m sooo busy” makes me secretly feel like I’m accomplishing a lot, I’m making it happen, and I’m successful.

The truth of the matter is just saying ‘I’m busy’ or having many tasks on a to do list doesn’t mean we’re accomplishing anything. In fact, I believe that this claim of excessive busyness actually leaves us feeling rushed, discontent, and unproductive. Try these solutions for countering busyness for busy sake and becoming more productive.

  1. Live mindfully. Engage fully with whatever you’re doing. Focus on one task at a time. You’ll reduce stress and enhance the quality of your work.
  2. Choose your priorities. Think about your purpose and devote your time to the activities that matter to you. Being intentional about your time makes the things you do more meaningful.
  3. Establish routines. Do you spend as much time coordinating your work as actually performing it? A systematic approach turns frequent chores into automatic habits. Do your grocery shopping on Tuesdays and Fridays. Check your email and return phone calls first thing in the morning and in the afternoon.
  4. Make time to plan. Planning your day keeps you focused and on track. Take a few minutes the night before or first thing in the morning to plan what and when you’ll get things done.
  5. Go to sleep. Resist the temptation to sacrifice sleep in order to get more done. Your body needs to reset itself for your tasks and schedule. Adequate rest helps you with not only the energy but the mental clarity to get it done.

Nobody is too busy….It’s Just A Matter of Priorities

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If you’re feeling swamped, it’s time to become more intentional and less busy. You’ll soon find that less activity can be more fulfilling.