Totally addicted to busy

How many times have you asked someone how things are going, and they simply reply with “busy”? But they seem to say it with pride – like it’s a badge of honour to seem busy! I guess, in a social setting, being busy may look as though you’re extremely popular – with events to go to all the time, lunches to do, birthdays, weddings etc. You look like you have a glamorous life. But what about in a business setting?

I think it’s fair to say that most business owners describe themselves as “busy”, as they believe that’s part and parcel of being an entrepreneur. But do they have to be manic?! There’s a difference!?

Let’s take a moment to look at a dictionary definition of “busy”:

-???????having a great deal to do

So, pretty much everyone can say they’re “busy”, as there’s always something to do! But how you utilise your time is the key. Wouldn’t you prefer to NOT have a long to-do list?! I’d love for the next time someone asks me, “How are things going?”, for me to be able to reply saying: “Amazing! I’m taking the week off because I’ve been so damn productive and now, I basically have nothing to do.” Surely that’s way more empowering?!?

Work/Life Balance

The world is already full of people banging on about the importance of a healthy work/life balance and employee wellbeing, so why are people still addicted to being busy? I think Hustle Culture has become a trend and you’re seen as a bit of a badass if you work through the night to achieve your goals. But then again, there are so many people who are really against this exact culture. I spoke to?Milena Regos from Unhustle about this on my podcast?and she explained why the Hustle Culture is so toxic.?

I think that despite mental health and wellbeing being so prominent in business these days, society still does praise hard work (and it should!) and many “busy” people feel important if they’re busy, elevating their social status… which can be addictive.?

Why are we addicted to being busy?

I guess when we think what the opposite of being busy is, it’s being bored. And no one likes being bored. So, they create things to do. But there could also be a bigger issue here – what if someone is being busy because they’re trying to avoid negative emotions? The moment we’re left alone with our thoughts, it could get really intense. And if things aren’t going well in one area of your life, this could become overwhelming, so you stop this from happening by making yourself busy.?

What about FOMO? I know this is a big one for me. I see events going on all the time and I just want to be there! My friends are going on holiday, or out for dinner… I want to be there! But there’s only so much room in my diary. Once I’ve said yes to everything… I’m extremely BUSY! And it’s as easy as that.?

How can we stop being so busy?

So, how do you stop being busy and start being productive? There are a few things that I’ve done recently which have completely freed up my diary and helped me actually have time to relax. I’m going to share my top three with you!

1.?????Learn how to say NO!

I don’t get how two letters can be so difficult to say! But I find it so incredibly hard. Maybe it’s because I don’t want to offend people, as no one likes rejection. But this has been the most powerful thing I’ve done. I’m now selective over which events I go to, which speaking gigs I agree to do and how many meetings I take.?

It’s still hard to deal with the FOMO as I sometimes think about all the opportunities I’m possibly missing out on because of saying no, but then the fact I can have a bath and watch Netflix makes me feel better!

2.?????Use a productivity planner

Yes, this one is a cliché, but it’s actually worked for me! I’m not one of these people who journals in the morning, as that hasn’t really helped me. However, the productivity planners have helped me hugely. There are?so many to choose from, but I like the ones which help you pick just ONE THING that you need to do that day, which is the most important.?

Also check out?Mynd Map, as they go above and beyond when it comes to a productivity planner! Please do remember to type SABRINA10 for a discount too! I?interviewed Rosemary on my podcast too?about how great journaling is for mental health.

3.?????Block out your diary

Do you use an online scheduler like Calendly? It’s amazing, I know, but it can also mean that people can slip into your diary so easily and it gets filled up in no time! I’ve started blocking out chunks of my day where I can actually get sh*t done! It’s been the best thing ever.?

I have even gone as far now as to block out whole days where I can actually do the cliché “work ON my business, instead of IN my business”.?

How to be more productive

Being more productive is a whole other conversation! But we’ve actually got a productivity tips blog post on the Black Female Boss website! So, if you’re interested in becoming less busy and becoming more productive, then it’s worth checking out.?

So, I hope that the next time anyone asks me how I am, I can say that I’m bored AF????That way, it means I will have smashed all my productivity goals!