How often do you hear someone say, "I'm busy," when asked how they're doing? I've been reflecting on what being "busy" truly signifies. Does it mean, "I don't have time to chat right now," or "I'm too swamped for anything"? "I'm soooo busy" has become a modern mantra, almost an automatic response, akin to saying "I'm fine" or wishing someone a nice day.
But why do we feel compelled to declare our busyness or view being busy as a virtue? Is there a fear of judgment for not being occupied, for simply enjoying a moment of doing nothing? Why do we feel the need to always be in motion?
Personally, I'm perfectly content to sit back and relax. While this approach might not win any productivity awards, it certainly helps me reduce stress.
There was a time when "I'm so busy" was my go-to response. Work took precedence, and as a result, I missed out on a lot. It wasn't until I left my corporate job nearly 10 years ago that I learned to slow down and appreciate the smaller moments—what some call "smelling the roses." Do I wish I had made changes sooner? Perhaps, but as one of my mentors wisely pointed out, any time spent reflecting on the past should be constructive and serve a purpose.
I'm not suggesting you need to quit your job to find tranquillity, but maybe it's worth considering what you could cut from your life to reclaim some time.
Here are a few tips on where to start:
- Evaluate your commitments: Look at what's truly important and what's not. This might be the perfect time to let go of tasks that don't add value to your life.
- Set boundaries: It's okay to say no. Prioritizing your health and well-being is crucial, and that means not always being available to others.
- Schedule downtime: Just as you would a meeting, block off time in your calendar for relaxation and reflection. Treat this time as non-negotiable.
Remember, being less busy doesn't mean you're doing less; it means you're focusing more on what truly matters.
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