Busy vs Productive!

Have you ever asked someone how they are, and they answer, “keeping busy” or “I’m crazy busy”.

Themuse.com says “Far too many of us have made “So busy!” the automatic answer to “How are you?” It has essentially become a replacement for a standard answer like good or fine, when what we’re really trying to say is “Successful! Wanted! Admired!” Instead of telling people that you’re busy, try talking about what you’re actually doing—the accomplishments that are making you feel busy and thus making you feel proud. For example, “I’m doing well! I just got a promotion and it’s given me the opportunity to travel quite a bit more.”

As a side note if you don’t want to ask the question “how are you” you could say alternatively “what’s brought you joy lately” or “what’s been the highlight of your week”? They may respond with something other than “so busy”.

What about when people ask how you are, and when you reply they say “that’ll keep you busy”.

Why the Obsession with Being Busy?

Sometimes people tell you they’re always busy to avoid being available, and I’ve learned to take the hint.

If they continuously tell you how busy they are, believe them and move on.

At times, we use being busy as a status symbol.

“While staying busy may boost our self-esteem, if we are so busy that we’re unable to practice self-care, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy our free time, it can have a harmful effect on our overall well-being” according to verywellmind.com.

At times we stay busy because of boredom, or because we feel guilty if we do nothing.

So, why do people keep busy?

Calmsage.com says that “Many people use the excuse of ‘busyness’ or staying busy as a coping mechanism and to avoid dealing with their feelings”.

Other reasons people tend to stay busy is because they don’t manage their time well, or maybe they’re avoiding past trauma, painful memories, sadness, anxiety, or loneliness.

Is Busy the Same as Productive?

If we’re always busy, does that mean we’re productive?

Not necessarily!

Actually, there is a difference.

Being productive means achieving goals efficiently, and being busy involves filling time with tasks that may not contribute to desired outcomes.

It also means being more intentional with your time.

As Robin Sharma states “Don’t confuse activity with productivity. Many people are simply busy being busy.”

Staying busy for the sake of keeping busy, can affect mental and physical health, as well as our relationships.

Learning to be comfortable with stillness can be difficult, especially if you’re used to nonstop busyness.

Busy to Productive!

Here are some examples of busy verses productive:

🥺 Busy: Filling the day with meetings and tasks that don’t move you closer to your goals.
😁 Productive: Prioritizing tasks that contribute directly to your goals.

🥺 Busy: Working long hours with no direction, feeling like there’s always more to do.
😁 Productive: Setting clear goals, working efficiently, and making progress in less time.

🥺 Busy: Reacting to notifications and emails.
😁 Productive: Intentionally setting boundaries to minimize distractions.

If we’re constantly busy and accomplishing nothing, remember that busy makes us work harder and productivity makes us work smarter, so I’m going to share four ways you can go from busy to productive:

⏳ Set clear priorities and focus on tasks that align with your goals rather than just filling time.
⏰ Use time blocks and allocate specific times for focused work.
⏳ Divide project into smaller tasks so you feel successful each time you complete a task.
⏰ Track outcomes and what you’ve accomplished, not how long you worked.

If you want other ways to stay productive, click 30 tips and type your name and email to get one short tip per day in your email.

Why the Need to Stay Busy?

If you’re feeling the need to stay busy, it might be helpful to identify why.

Is staying busy a way to feel in control, or is it possibly a habit you’ve fallen into?

Is it a status symbol, or are you bored?

Are you possibly avoiding deep emotions?

If you find yourself constantly busy to avoid emotions, it could be helpful to open up and speak to family or friends.

You may also consider speaking with a therapist to help you better understand and manage underlying reasons.

Talking to a therapist could provide insights and support, which may allow you to break free from the cycle of busyness and find better balance in your life.