Busy Being Busy

Years ago if you asked how someone was doing, 99% people would say, “I’m good.” Now people respond with “Busy!” Ok, that’s my own statistic and it isn’t founded on any valid research. There just appears to be a shift and a trend.

What’s the goal in telling everyone you’re busy? Or on a deeper level what’s the goal in staying in a perpetual state of business? Are you truly being effective or are you avoiding something?

Many people swear they are busy. They even look busy. At closer examination it appears they are just spinning their wheels and nothing really gets done.

Studies are proving multitasking is a myth. The evidence shows we are more productive when we focus on one thing at a time. Multitaskers also present as stressed out and are hard to be around.

Being busy is often equated with being successful, important and worthy of respect. I’m here to say, it makes me take a big step back. If someone says, “I’m sooo busy,” it implies other messages. Don’t talk to me, I have more responsibilities than anyone else or potentially I’m hanging by a thread.

We are all overwhelmed at times. It’s worth considering if your constant state of action creates a disconnect with others …. and yourself.