The Busyness of Business

Explore a few ways to step back, prioritize and be more productive.

By Corey Rubin

I get it. We’re all busy. We struggle daily to keep on task, to get it done, and to climb the ladder. Success doesn’t come without a price tag. We clock in before most have had their morning coffee, and we burn the oil late into the evenings and throughout the weekend. We are constantly connected, charged, and ready to run with whatever needs to be done. Our badge of honor reads “Busy,” and it actually earns us respect and admiration, so we continue to pin it on day after day.
The truth is, whatever the demand, whatever the boss requires of us, whatever the goal looks like, we typically get the job done. We have the internet at our fingertips, our cell-phones clipped to our hipbones, and a cadre of underlings to order into action and make things happen. Our deadlines come and go, and with a few high-fives and a wipe of the brow, we’re off to tackle the next task. In the end, however, it isn’t really about what we accomplish, but exactly how we go about accomplishing, that has lasting effects on our health and our psyches.

Why We Do What We Do

What was your answer the last time someone asked you, “How are things?” Often times, our answer is “busy.” We’re “really busy,” we’re “super busy,” we’re “crazy busy.” OK, so maybe your busy is baffling. But really, what gives? Why is busy so great?

Today society places value on being busy. Busy equates to good--productive, accomplished, results-oriented. While anything short of busy equates to bad--lazy, lacking energy, slacker. If we are busy, we are of value to society.

How We Do What We Do

Our cell phones ring, sing and vibrate from dawn to dusk and beyond--at the symphony, at our kid’s soccer game, at the dinner table. And we answer it! Why? Because that is how we accomplish what we accomplish. In a busy sort of way. Constantly going, and working and doing.

Let’s face it, we think that busy is the way to be. And guess what? We’re raising legions of busy-worshippers to take our place. When we’re tired and old and beaten up from our frantic way of being, our kids will be able to step in and take over the job, so that some day they can be tired and old and beaten up, too.

We take the call from our office while sitting at the soccer field so that we can utilize absolutely every moment we have to get things done. The constant worry over whether or not there will be enough time in the day to make it all happen sends us to Stressville, which only has us trying to pull off more and more per minute. We typically accomplish quite a lot. But we accomplish while being overwhelmed and overworked, and our default way of being has simply become busy.

How We Shift Our Being

So can we succeed without holding a banner that says “swamped” as our slogan? Can we thrive in our jobs and in our lives while taking a little time out to just be? Are we willing to let go of the martyrdom of being the one who works the hardest, and has the most plates spinning? Is there really something admirable in this, or have we merely convinced ourselves that there is, falling easily into a habit that was handed to us? If busy is your mantra, then what goes missing? And if busy is not a value, then what is?

We have the ability to shift our attention away from busy as a virtue. It is a conscious choice we can make. So much becomes available to us by declaring that we want to make an impact at work, but not at the cost of constant overwhelm. If you’re ready to break away from busy and to take on a different way of being, here is my Top Six List to get you started on your slow-down.

Number 6: Plan tomorrow today. Make a list of the six things you need to accomplish in the coming day--your big taskers, not your small errands. When they are done, you are done. Allow yourself to feel 100% accomplished, without needing to accomplish anything more.

Number 5: Schedule five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening to just be--no cell phones, no distractions, just being fully present to absolutely nothing. Use this time to rest, re-energize, and let go of the need to “do.”

Number 4: Make four meaningful connections during your day. Spend an intentional moment with your spouse or child, walk the dog, or acknowledge your secretary. Taking this time to pause and be with someone else can be gratifying for you and for them.

Number 3: Eat at least three healthy meals a day. The eventual goal is five or six small, healthy meals throughout the waking hours. By the way, vodka at 5:30 p.m. is not a meal, and neither is a protein bar on the run. If you are walking, talking on the phone, and eating, it isn’t as healthy as it could be.

Number 2: Schedule time to read and return emails twice a day--once in the morning and once in the afternoon/evening. When that “urgent” email comes in on your Blackberry, give some thought as to whether it can wait.

Number 1: Breathe one deep inhale and one deep exhale every time you feel the need to “get busy.” Merely taking a deep breath will slow you down and bring you back to a healthier focus, and it will have a positive effect on both your mental and physical well being.

Corey Rubin is a Certified Life and Executive Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Personal Trainer. She is an affiliate of Accomplishment Coaching, a member of the International Coach Federation, and holds several certifications from The American Council on Exercise. She is available for private coaching, group seminars, workplace Well Being Training and Team Building, and speaking engagements. contact info: corey@sparkswithin.com 805-558-5965