Busy is the new black. Ask anyone how they are doing and what do response do you get?
“Stressed!” “Overwhelmed!” “Can’t keep up!” “Tired!”
Can you imagine what would happen if you just answered that question with a “Inbox zero, task list completed, actually has time for an extra nap this week…”? It would stop traffic!
Many times busyness is equated with productivity. Just because the wheels are constantly spinning doesn’t mean you’re getting anywhere. I know that for me my to do list can shift based on priority but I literally can work 12 hour days and still not get caught up…which makes it feel as if I am not making progress.
I listened to a podcast this weekend and heard something simplified that is so common sense I am almost ashamed to admit how clarifying it was for me. The author (Crystal Paine) was discussing how hard it is for her to say no and to prioritize her tasks. She said that at the beginning of each month (day, week, year, etc) she lists her BIG goals. Her big, all encompassing, gotta be done goals. Then she files all of her tasks into alignment with those goals. If it doesn’t fit? She doesn’t commit.
I’m a big “yes” girl. I like feeling accomplished and like I’ve done more than my share, had my opportunity to get my input in. But sometimes? Sometimes I take on things that just don’t matter in what REALLY matters. I say yes just to say yes.
I want to model being a lead learner for our campus and share my passion with others, which is being positive and making school FUN without compromising academic success for every student. I believe in empowering others to be successful. If I’m going to be on a committee, or speak somewhere, does it move me closer to accomplishing that goal or detract from it?
If I want to be a super involved mom and attentive wife…is being on a committee, or speaking somewhere, move me closer to accomplishing that goal or detract from it?
What are your BIG goals in life? Are you taking on things to help you get there, or things that are actually detours? They can be REALLY great things, but still be detours. Double check that commitment list and see what you can cross off. Move out of survival mode and into PRODUCTIVE mode!
busy beaver,
Amber
This past weekends TED talk had one little tidbit in it about this. The speaker said her mom’s philosophy was that if there is something bad in your life that you want to get rid of, put a large wall around it and eventually it will dry up and die. I considered this as a helpful way to prioritize and get to the important things in my life. There are some things I spend time doing that are getting in the way. I need to put up some walls.
Good Blog. Thanks for sharing it.