Notice that I titled this post “The Busy Season” and not “The Busy Life”. There is a start and an end to seasons, whereas someone who lives a busy life sees no end to the madness. So, how can you ensure that your busyness stays contained to a season, rather than letting it grow into a busy life?
Here are three ways to control your busyness in better ways:
Understand that it is okay to be in a busy season, as long as you are being productive.
Most people’s stress comes from being busy, but last time I checked, being busy and productive are natural byproducts of being successful. I have never met a successful person who wasn’t busy and productive. As long as you are keeping your busyness contained to a set period of time, then know you are on the right track. Where it becomes dangerous is when you can’t remember the last time you took a break or rested. If that’s the case, then stop what you’re doing and walk away. You are not a robot, but a person who needs some time to rejuvenate, and that’s okay, too.
It's not so much about the amount of time you have, but what you do with your time that counts. Share on XSet deadlines.
Maybe you feel that deadlines are gross, and that all they do is add more stress to your life, but deadlines are important. If you don’t see the need for implementing deadlines in your life, then you need to understand that deadlines aren’t only to keep you focused on being productive with your time, but they are to communicate to those around you that you see an end to being busy.
Take time to reflect.
There’s nothing worse than being married to someone who doesn’t stop long enough to smell the roses, and I’m speaking from experience. (Sorry honey for all those crazy years.) I just got back from a week of doing nothing, but relaxing and seeing family, and it was amazing. I’m refreshed and ready to get back to work.
When you stop long enough to focus on the people around you and what you’ve given to them during your busyness, it really makes you study what is really happening. It’s easy to lie to yourself and say that everyone is doing fine, but when you take the time to pause, make sure to really look at the facts. And if you can’t tell how you’re doing, ask those closest to you, because they will give you an honest answer.
With heightened expectations that others place on people, it’s easy to live a busy life, but it takes much more discipline to contain busyness into seasons. Before the new year, let’s commit to doing a better job with being busy. Not only will we be better for it, but the people around us will be able to enjoy us more, as well. I don’t want to be remembered for how busy I am, and I know you don’t want that either. That’s not what leaves a great legacy. But, people will remember us for how available we are, and freeing up more time starts with taking these three steps.
Leave a Reply