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Too busy to read this? That probably means you need to.

An antidote to being busy with a sprinkle of healthy self-irony.
neeta@globalgritinstitue.com

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4 Min Read

Since when is business a competition? Hands up, hustlers, if you’ve ever been so “busy” you committed one of these unspeakable crimes:

  • Ate lunch in front of your laptop

  • Text-walking (c’mon, you know it is a real social crime)

  • Dropped a dramatic “I went to bed in the AM” when getting your coffee

  • Slept in front of your screen while working and drooled all over your laptop

You know who you are, one step forward, please! Now, I know you’ve got “no time”, but may I please ask you to stop. Just for a minute. OK, 20 seconds? I have a question to ask.

Do you overuse the word “busy”? And why do you think it’s sooo cool to be “busy”?

Now that I got your attention, so let’s get straight to the root of it. Scream “YES I DO” out loud if any of the following applies to you:

  • When I’m not working I feel like I’m missing out and lagging behind

  • I feel like I’m behind on my “to do’s” even after a whole day of busting out the never-ending list

  • I love weekends because I can get more work done, without being distracted

  • I always think I’ll take few days off once all important projects are out of the way

Yes, yes, saluting all of you, honest busy hustlers! I get it, you have full-time jobs, side gigs, passion projects, or just plain hustling. But listen! You got to fill your cup first! Ever heard of how the good boss is supposed to take care of her employees? Well, you are the boss now, so this one is on you.

If you’ve ever been an employee before becoming a “busy” entrepreneur, you’d probably have rebelled against a boss who demands all your weekends and late nights that should have been your ‘me-time’. But don’t panic! It’s never too late to learn those good boss habits…. even if you currently employ none but yourself.

Some of my clients tend to brag how busy they are (rolls eyes) as if I’m going to give them a cookie, an award or a medal for good merits. If you catch yourself being one of those, this might just be the right time to drop out of that nonsensical race (hint: in this race, if you win, you ACTUALLY really lose).

So if you are up for the challenge, here are your clues to really win in life:

  1. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Open up your plans for the day and start with big wins. I know you love to leave them for dessert, but today just have the dessert first. Yes, you have my permission! Cross off a big win of the list and don’t forget to fist-bump yourself!

  1. Make it a habit to clear your head

Not only will it help you to drop off the rat race, it might also help you get some new ideas, and work smarter, not harder, once you are back at your desk. Take a walk, meditate, or turn the music up and drop it like it’s hawt!

  1. Multitasking is a no-no

Remember the good old days when you weren’t checking your emails while brushing teeth, commuting, or chatting with friends? A time when you weren’t replying client calls while in the shower or at dinner with your date? Yes, time to bring those back! Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

Ok, lovely humans, I’m challenging you to make some big changes! No more misusing the word “busy” to justify your life. And if you know someone who needs to stop for 20 seconds to hear this, please share this article or video.