E266:"Busy" is the Exaggerated Excuse We Tell Ourselves (and It's Killing Us)

I respect your time (more accurately, life!)

So, I ask you: Stop for a second. Take a deep breath. Now ask yourself: How often do you use the word "busy"?

If it's more than once a week, there's a problem.

We wear busyness like a badge of honor. It's code for "important," "in demand," "too valuable for your petty concerns." But deep down, we all know the truth:

"Busy" is often a lie we tell ourselves to avoid facing our choices.

(When I hear the word busy, for some reason the heads of China and India come to mind. Each is running a country of 1.5 billion people and their day is 24 hours like the rest of us! I know they have staff, but you get the point)

The Busyness Trap

We often fill our calendars, our inboxes, our minds with an endless stream of tasks, meetings, and distractions. Why? Because it's easier than confronting the hard questions:

• What am I really contributing?
• Am I living according to my values?
• Am I neglecting the relationships and projects that truly matter?
• I am making the best of my time (life)?
• Are my priorities right?

"Busy" becomes a shield, protecting us from the discomfort of having to answer those questions honestly. It keeps us in our default settings (also called comfort zones).

The High Cost of Busyness

The consequences of chronic busyness extend far beyond a cluttered inbox:

• Burnout: When we never pause, our energy reserves deplete, leading to exhaustion and diminished creativity.
• Missed Opportunities: A packed schedule leaves little room for serendipity, those unexpected connections that spark innovation and growth.
• Strained Relationships: When we're always "too busy," we neglect the people who matter most, eroding trust and intimacy.
• Stunted Growth: True personal and professional development requires dedicated time for reflection, learning, and strategic planning, all of which are sacrificed on the altar of busyness.

The Path to Intentional Living

This isn't about becoming a hermit or ditching your responsibilities. It's about a radical shift in perspective:

• Own Your Choices: Every "yes" to something is a "no" to something else. Take ownership of your calendar, your to-do list, your life.
• Prioritize Ruthlessly: What truly matters to you? What aligns with your values and long-term goals? Learn to say "no" to the rest, guilt-free.
• Schedule White Space: Don't just schedule tasks, schedule time for reflection, creativity, learning, grounding yourself, fun, and rest.
• Embrace the Power of "Enough": There will always be more to do. Learn to recognize when enough is enough, and step away with confidence.

The Leader's Responsibility

As CEOs and leaders, our relationship with busyness sets the tone for our entire organization. If we model a culture of endless hustle, our teams will follow suit. If we prioritize intentionality, we empower others to do the same.

It's time to drop the "busy" badge and embrace the power of deliberate choice.

Remember, a meaningful life isn't about how much you do, but about the impact you make.

So, the next time someone asks how you are, dare to say:

"I'm not busy, I'm focused (on what matters), but I can make time if necessary." Then watch the world open up.

Make time!

Michael

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