Have you ever given the excuse that you are “too busy” to do something? Whether it is a favor, a lunch date that keeps getting postponed, an outing, or a responsibility, we hear those three little words in a row a little too often.
“I’m Too Busy”
Scott and I got caught in a conversation a few weeks ago about about how people overuse the “I’m busy” response. Our main revelation? Who isn’t?
We all go through periods of our lives where we become busy, then less busy, then busy again depending on what age, place or situation we are in. Whether you’re working two jobs, going to school full-time, raising a family, or doing a combination of all three of those, everyone has their own level of crazy and busy going on in their own lives.
When I left both of my part-time jobs last year, I automatically assumed I would have the majority of my days free, leaving the phrase “I’m too busy” behind and out of my vocabulary.
At first, that seemed to be true. I spent the majority of my weekdays on the computer, running, writing, cleaning, and enjoying being a housewife – hence where the idea of this blog came from.
Soon after embracing my duties of cooking, cleaning, folding laundry and creating a home life, I started teaching barre classes, which has turned into an every weekday job. Am I complaining? Absolutely not. I love it and enjoy the challenge of teaching a fitness class.
I then went from spending my day doing whatever to creating a daily work schedule that consisted of barre, blogging and writing. Since May, my hours at the studio have dramatically increased and I use my late afternoons and evenings to create recipes, workout, write and blog on this site.
When I say write, I mean I have officially been hired as a freelance writer/blogger/editor for two different websites on a weekly and starting next week, every day basis. Can I take a second to say… woot woot?!
This has been my dream. I have always wanted a career in mass communications, whether it be advertising, public relations, or journalism. Over the past year, I realized my love for writing and made it my number one goal to focus on.
Day by day, little by little, I see opportunities growing and I am thrilled… but there is a downside.
You’re Too Busy
I often spread myself a little too thin and take on projects left and right.
“I can do it!” has been my default response to everything lately. From the never ending task of putting a wedding album together for my parents to taking on a new part-time job, I must think I am some kind of superwoman. Hey, A for effort optimism, right?
But does doing so much make you too busy? I came across a quote yesterday and posted it on Facebook.
Well there you go.
Helping others could include doing a favor, giving advice, or even picking up the phone to call and check in on those around you… friends.
After seeing this, I started thinking about a few projects I have told myself and others I would help with that keep getting pushed to the side. I felt bad. Have I let people down?
I often find myself explaining to friends and family that I am not just “home” all the time. When I am home, I am usually working.
When I first started blogging five times a week, I agreed to set office hours and shut down the computer before dinner. Realistically, that hasn’t happened in weeks. I end up being on the computer a lot longer than I mean to be and frequently go to bed with the wheels still turning in my head.
Luckily, Scott understands when I need to get things done and when I have time to relax and hang out. He has been great, but I still feel like I need to enforce the shut down rule a little more strictly.
No matter what you do, work is work. It is there for you to finish, and will be there in the morning when you wake up.
Every now and then, look back at your schedule and asses your level of busy. Is it and are you too busy?
Conclusions and Questions
• What are we really “too busy” for? To meet a friend for dinner? Spending quality time with people you love?
• Do we often disregard things or tasks we think we are “too busy” for?
• How do you prioritize your time off?
Since I posted the quote “If you’re too busy to help others around you succeed, you’re too busy,” I checked a few things off of my to-do for others list – just like that. One dedicated morning and afternoon spent on things that matter to people other than myself. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we put our own wants and needs aside. Next time someone asks you to do something with or for them… take a second to think, “am I too busy?”
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