When checking in with everyone at the beginning of my workshops there is, without exception, a common theme. "I am so busy" "I've got a lot going on at the moment". As the workshop progresses some people tell me they don't have time to have a lunch break and they have no time to do things that support their mental well-being.
I'm firmly convinced that in the UK we equate busyness with virtue and worth. If we are not busy we aren't working hard enough, we are lazy. People who aren't seen to be busy are not "pulling their weight" are not committed enough. People who are busy are complemented. Working late, answering emails into the evening all signs of commitment and drive.
I've come along way in shifting this mindset but still manage to fall into this trap.
Research tells us we work more effectively and are more productive when we give ourselves time, when we concentrate on one thing at a time and we rest.
So I'm making a commitment to myself.
"I aspire to a life of living easily, where I have time to think, to plan, to enjoy my life and work."
In the spirit of this post I'm going give myself a few days off. I'm going to sign out now until Monday evening
What are your challenges with busyness?
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