[/caption]When I feel like my life is well balanced, I try to take note of why that is – because it’s sure to be a fleeting moment.
In a life of trying to achieve lots and tick a variety of boxes, there is one thing that seems to be a common factor every time I feel that things are going well: I’m less busy.
By that, I don’t mean that I’m doing less or not achieving as much in my day, or that I have less on my to-do list. I mean I’m less caught up in the busyness of life. I'm more purposeful.
I don’t like it when people talk about being busy. ‘I’m too busy to do that,’ they’ll say (or I'll occasionally find myself saying without thinking), and I cringe.
I’m a big believer in the theory that you make time for anything you want or need to make time for.
I used to work with a man who loved to talk about how busy he was. I'd go in for a meeting and spend the first ten minutes listening to him talk about how hectic his day was, and I'd think about all the things he could have ticked off his list in that time, instead of rattling on about how much he had to do. I really think that for some people, it's more about looking 'busy and important' rather than actually needing to get through a lot in a day.
Most of us do have a lot to achieve each day, and sometimes it feels like a constant battle. My advice to you - and to myself - is to stay calm, write a list and just do it. Don't let your mind get caught up in busy thoughts that will make you waste time talking about general busyness.
How do you manage your busyness?
I agree, some people just like to look busy. I once had a manager, who would flurry about the office looking like she had 101 things to do, but really she wasn't actually doing very much.
ReplyDeleteI so agree, Megan. It would do my head in to constantly think about the busyness of my days. I just say hi to each new one and tackle that list.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thoughts. Though I don't have a problem with anyone saying "I'm too busy to do that.". In fact, I tik that is something I need to learn to do. Saying you are too busy to do something may be prioritising what you already do. No point short-changing the commitments you already have to add in another one.
ReplyDeleteI do know what you mean about those people though who complain non stop about how busy their life is - sometimes I think if they just got on with it instead of wasting time they'd be fine (or sometimes I think they are just martyrs - and they want to be able to complain!)
I have people telling me constantly that I must be so busy, I don't feel busy, life is full but not busy. I think it's definitely a state of mind.
ReplyDeleteI think the whole idea of modern day life as 'being busy' is a silly idea. I'm sure life has always been busy.
OMG!!! This is the bane of my life. Everyone talking about how 'busy' they are. Of course, we are 'busy' but if you spoke less about it and got on with it, maybe you wouldn't be so 'busy'!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree.
'Busy' is sooo overused.
We're all busy. Life is busy. Quit complaining!
Personally, I thrive on it.
I cannot remember the last time I felt bored.
I like to think that our life is interesting and full.
Obviously, when it gets over-full, it's time to pull back a little. - without all the whinging!!
Prioritise.
When we REALLY want to, we'll fit something in.
:-)
Needed to read this today! Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteIf you want to make it happen, you will find time, I so agree. We are all busy. It is not an excuse and it gets really lame.
ReplyDeleteI live by lists! I have lists for lists! :)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you though. I knew quite a lot of people in the office who constantly complained about lack of time, but were their own worst enemy. I find the ``I'm too busy'' line rather annoying! ;)
I agree with you that you make time for what you want to make time for. I'm hardly perfect in the balance business but I do try to fit a lot in and quietly prioritise in my head what is most important for me to achieve and just, well, bloody get on with actually achieving it. People moaning about busy annoy me no end!
ReplyDeleteTaking moments of quiet throughout the day really helps me cut down on my busyness and not get (as) caught up in the busyness of others. I agree that we are probably not any busier now that we have been throughout history, but time may seem to go by faster because we use so much "time-saving" technology.
ReplyDelete