Over the last year, I’ve been really working on getting an idea out of my head: “I’m too busy.”
It really is a nonsense phrase, like “I hope I don’t die,” or “I wish I was good at that.” You can’t be too busy. Only as busy as you are or as you decide to be.
I’m trying take more responsibility over what is and is not important to me. I’m not too busy to do a thing…I just don’t think it’s as important as the things I’d rather do. Otherwise, I just don’t think it’s something I’d enjoy doing. If I’m not doing something I enjoy more or that is more important, then I’m not busy…I’m doing something worthless that I shouldn’t do.
Some things for me to try:
- Keep some empty spots in my plans so that I can do the things I want to do.
- Find more efficient ways of doing the things in my backlog.
- Either stop using the word busy, or only use it in positive contexts.
- Get more definite with my goals and priorities.
Some resources on the subject: