Busy...Doing What? — Kim Anderson

You’re busy. I get it. So am I.

In a world where technology is supposed to save us time and create shortcuts, the hustle seems more intense than ever. Oh, how I sometimes long to go back to days before cell phones and the internet. I think my brain would rest more. But . . . here we are, and technology is here to stay.

I have a question that might help with the hustle: are you working hard or working smart? Being busy doesn’t mean you’re productive. Constant striving doesn’t guarantee you are going anywhere. Is it possible that you are spinning your wheels without accomplishing anything?

What if our busyness is the very thing keeping us from reaching our goals?

Sometimes, we stay busy to avoid pain. We want to forget our feelings, and being busy helps us put problems on the back burner (until they boil over). The truth is, using busyness to numb our emotions will keep us running in circles, with no true resolution or progress.

Sometimes, we are busy because we have not set healthy boundaries. We say yes to too many things, and before we know it, we are alienated from our unique, God-given purpose. Distractions get in the way of what we are truly meant to do.

Answer these three questions to examine the busyness in your life and discern what deserves your time:

1. What are your passions?

What do you want? What are your core values? What are your hopes and dreams? Your answers determine where your focus must be.

2. What is within your skillset?

Live in your sweet spot, and outsource the rest.

Outsource. Delegate. Say no to anything that doesn’t align with your skills and interests.

3. What are your obstacles?

What is getting in the way? Identify the tasks or mindsets that hijack your forward motion. Even the “good” can hinder you from reaching the “great.” Think through your day. Which activities are merely good ways to pass the time? Which are aligned with your ultimate goals and growth?

Once you know what you really want, you can identify where your strengths and talents lie, and then eliminate, outsource, or delegate anything that doesn’t align with your passions and strengths.

You are amazing! Start living like it!