“Those who are wise won’t be busy, and those who are too busy can’t be wise.” ― Lin Yutang
It was in this video from Jeff Shinabarger that I first heard the phrase, “‘Busy’ has become the new ‘Fine’.” As in, when you ask somebody how they were doing, they used to answer, “Fine.” But nowadays, everybody answers, “Busy.”
Seemingly, busy has become the default state for too many of our lives.
But is the state of busy really improving our lives? Certainly not. Statistics indicate 75% of parents are too busy to read to their children at night. There is a rising number of children being placed in day cares and after-school activities. Americans are having a hard time finding opportunity for vacations these days. 33% of Americans are living with extreme stress daily. And nearly 50% of Americans say they regularly lie awake at night because of stress. This is a problem. We have become too busy.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Busy is not inevitable. (tweet that)
Each of us can take intentional steps to unbusy our lives.
Consider this Helpful Guide to Becoming Unbusy:
1. Realize that being busy is a choice. It is a decision we make. We are never forced into a lifestyle of busyness. The first, and most important, step to becoming less busy is to simply realize that our schedules are determined by us. We do have a choice in the matter. We don’t have to live busy lives.
2. Stop the glorification of busy. Busy, in and of itself, is not a badge of honor. In fact, directed at the wrong pursuits, it is actually a limiting factor to our full potential. It is okay to not be busy. Repeat this with me: It is okay to not be busy.
3. Appreciate and schedule rest. One of the reasons many of us keep busy schedules is we fail to recognize the value of rest. But rest is beneficial to our bodies, our minds, and our souls. Set aside one day per week for rest and family. Intentionally schedule it on your calendar. Then, guard it at all costs.
4. Revisit your priorities. Become more intentional with your priorities and pursuits in life. Determine again what are the most significant contributions you can offer this world. And schedule your time around those first. Busyness is, at its core, about misplaced priorities.
5. Own fewer possessions. The things we own take up far more time and mental energy than we realize. They need to be cleaned, organized, and maintained. And the more we own, the more time is required. Own less stuff. And find more time because of it.
6. Cultivate space in your daily routine. Take time for lunch. Find space in your morning to sit quietly before starting your day. Invest in solitude, meditation, or yoga. Find opportunity for breaks at work in between projects. Begin right away cultivating little moments of space and margin in your otherwise busy day.
7. Find freedom in the word, “no.” Seneca wrote, “Everybody agrees that no one pursuit can be successfully followed by a man who is preoccupied with many things.” Recognize the inherent value in the word “no.” Learning to say “no” to less important commitments opens your life to pursue the most important.
Busy does not need to define you. Unbusy is possible. It’s okay to be happy with a calm life. And doesn’t that sound wonderful right about now?
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Further Reading
Laura says
God gave the Sabbath to rest
Roothie says
Enjoyed this article very much. I have been working very hard for the last 8 years motivated by a large mortgage (House prices tripled in my home town which I always intended to return to.) Anyway, all my wage went straight onto the mortgage and we have it under control now. The busyness was strangely addictive and I developed anxiety. I can still feel the anxiety now even though I have stopped taking work. Hoping time will heal the damage.
Chris Stewart says
Hi Roothie,
It sounds like you’re getting a handle on things, however…. As soon as you mentioned your struggle with your mortgage, my ears perked up. Since you’re reading this blog, I would guess that you’re open to other life/financial-improvement ideas. I’d highly recommend that you start reading books and/or listening to podcasts on the Financial Independence/Retire Early movement (FIRE). Even if you don’t have a 9-5 job, or don’t plan on retiring early (I’m not), please read up on shifting your mindset regarding living the American Dream and Rat Race. I recommend: Dave Ramsey, Chris Hogan, Scott Trench (Bigger Pockets), Scott Rieckens (“Playing with FIRE”), Kristy Shen (“Quit like a millionaire”) and many others. If you’re a slave to your mortgage, think differently.
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David says
That was a wonderful read. Although I have the time, I would rather not read the comments that are longer than the original post.
David Hindman says
I wanted to add that at first it may help to schedule this free time on your calendar, as counter intuitive as that may sound. We have to remember to “pay ourselves” first, meaning that other tasks will expand to fill your time if you don’t set boundaries. I work from home and during my day I have time blocked off on my corporate calendar to walk my dog and go to the gym. It’s a great way to split things up and take back some control.
Alice Ann Hengesbach says
Thank you, Joshua, for taking the time to articulate some solid truths. The primary one being “choice.” I have been fortunate although I might not have realized it at each point on my journey to have a life full of unscheduled time. I am still alive and doing well. I now choose to schedule “no work/busy” time. I could schedule work for seven days a week (really!) but to what point. As I type at 9:36 am EDT on a sunny, breezy Carolina coastal day … I am not “busy.” From my point of view, my life is simple, calm, full of children, good people, gardens, smiles … well, you get the point. It took a while to get here and I am so very glad and grateful to myself that I have arrived. : ) And, now off to work … for a while. : )
Cecilia says
Growing up in a rather Puritan-work-ethic-minded home I was always chastised for just sitting around reading or writing poetry or whatever. Productive labor for the family was the only way I could keep from being harassed. Sooo, I learned to knit and crochet to make hats, mittens, blankets for my family and for Christmas gifts. I learned to sew to make my own clothes so that I wouldn’t have to wear thrift-store clothes. I learned to cook so that we could have different meals than the few my mom knew how to make. I babysat for cousins during my summers and school breaks so that their parents could work. I studied and did my schoolwork above and beyond what was required. These are things I associate with being “busy” and even today I fill my life with doing things for others. There is nothing wrong with pouring out your time for others. Making “busy-ness” sound like a negative is missing the point of why many people feel good about themselves while being “busy.” When I say I am busy, I am not whining. I am jubilant that I am healthy and blessed with friends and family and members of my church community to whom I can give of myself and my time. To me, “I’m busy” means “I’m doing very well, thank you!”
Daniele Perrelli says
While your post is great and true, unless one prepares for later stages of life you can’t escape being “busy” while working to survive. I am 58 years old and I work 7 days a week on my clinic. Please, you and others in your age category: PLAN AHEAD so you can truly practice what you preach! My joke is always telling folks….it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark!
Nina says
totally agree- the culture here encourages it but it’s a personal choice indeed!
Sarah says
Thank you for posting this.
I also think that people worry others will think they are lazy or bad parents if they don’t say they are “busy.”
I decided last year that I would no longer say that I’m busy. I now say that my life is “full.” Full because I have 3 sons and a wonderful husband who fill me up with love.
The word busy implies things are frantic and hard.
Full implies depth of relationships.
At least that is how I interpret the words.
~Sarah S.