If you're like me, you have a running list of want-to-dos. My list runs the gamut from "make a dress" to "finish a 5,000 piece jigsaw puzzle." Often, these lists sit untouched for months and years. Why? Because we're busy. Haven't talked to your old friend in months? We're busy.
The truth is, for most, busy is a glorified excuse, one that has been pervasive in American workplaces for decades. It makes one feel important, as if they're just in too much demand.
The harder truth is...we're not that important. And acting busy, and saying we're busy, doesn't mean we're getting more work done. In fact, putting up a wall and pushing people away can actually stymie productivity.
Yes, we can be genuinely, truly, too busy for some things. Things we should be saying no to. But overusing the busyness excuse, like overuse of most other things, dilutes its meaning, so here are a few things to think about before you pull out the busy excuse next time.
Relationships matter.
Sometimes an ask is small. And sometimes taking 2 minutes out of your day to help someone can strengthen a business relationship.
Goal or goof?
We all have a role to play in our workplaces and goals to meet for each review period. You should make time for those things that help you meet your goals, and perhaps edit out some of the things that don't.
Be honest, but helpful.
There will be times where you really can't help with what is being asked, whether by necessity (there really just isn't time) or by preference (it's not a priority). If you're truly busy, be sincere...no one likes to be brushed off. But if you can point someone in the right direction to find the help they need, do so.
It's not about you.
Like I said before, we're not all that important. Before you go all "how dare she ask me to help!" take a step off your high horse and think about whether you're helping or hindering the bigger cause.
Being busy has been the de rigueur humble-brag in offices for far too long. Let's be honest with ourselves—and others—and we can get rid of it once and for all.
What do you think about busy for busyness sake? Do you see this in your office, too?
This is totally applicable to one's personal life as well.
ReplyDeleteOh busy.... I used to be addicted and it's only been since becoming a parent that I've gotten rid of my self importance shield.
These days, I'm constantly being brought into the NOW with the demands of the small one. It's a nice change.
Very true! Sure, we could make ourselves busy every second of every day, but why would we want to do that? We'd be missing out on so much!
DeleteI used to say I was busy all the time. Eventually, I realized how silly I was being and that I was just trying to look important. And by labeling myself as "busy", I was making myself feel frazzled and out of control. I'm trying to be more focused and passionate in my work and life...because really, no one cares if I'm busy!
ReplyDeleteIt's a slippery slope. I've definitely noticed over the years (in different jobs) how the people who said they were always busy were not actually getting much done, but were super stressed out.
DeleteI think it is one of those things that we're taught we should aspire to, though, and also there might be a bit of recession insecurity kicking in. If our plate isn't full, will we be targeted for downsizing?
i HATE "i'm too busy" excuse above all others. because it's almost NEVER true. you can be too busy for a day or even a week, but most tasks either don't take that long anyway, or can be broken up so that if you actually wanted to do it, you could have. most likely you just didn't do it because you didn't really want to, you forgot, or you put it off, all things readily in your control. but your lack of motivation or forethought should never translate as being too busy to do something that needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteEXACTLY. If you cared enough or wanted to, you could make time. That applies to work as well as non-work. :)
DeleteYes. Spot on!
DeleteI often would tell me I've been busy when they ask because I didn't actually want to go into details of everything I've been up to.
ReplyDeleteBut I never said I was too busy to help. I'd put things off. I'd stay at work until 8 to help someone out earlier in the day. Other people would comment on how I was busy more than I did (besides the excuse mentioned above).
Sadly now I'm only too busy with TV shows or cleaning :(
That's true...it's definitely easier (on you and them) to not go into a laundry list of what you're actually doing, but I think it's great you're so helpful.
DeleteSometimes I feel like I just get walked all over though. Perhaps there's such a thing as too helpful.
DeleteThat is definitely a thing. It is still okay to say no. :)
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