I get it. With the holidays approaching, everyone seems to be rushing and running out of time. From the pressure coming from our own family to our job trying to end the year on a good foot. But if we are honest the phrase "I'm too busy" has become a common refrain even outside the holiday season.
A choice of words we often use not only in December but also to explain ourselves when we are trying to justify why haven’t pursued our dreams, taken up a new hobby, or even just relaxed. And even though many times its a perfectly valid answer I would like to question what if this constant state of "busyness" is more about our inner overwhelm and procrastination than about actual lack of time?
And the reason I talk about this is not only because I see it all the time with my clients, but also because in the past I too have hide behind an empty "I am too busy", "I have no time". There were many reason why I used to hold onto this mechanism and why so many others still do.
Let dive a bit deeper on this topic...
The Reality Behind "I'm Too Busy"
When we repeatedly tell ourselves and others that we're too busy, it often masks deeper issues:
1. Overwhelm: With numerous tasks on our plate, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This can lead to a paralysis where, instead of tackling our to-do list, we freeze and do nothing.
2. Procrastination: The statement "I'm too busy" can be a form of procrastination. We might put off important tasks by convincing ourselves that we're too busy to handle them.
3. Lack of Prioritisation: Sometimes, claiming busyness is a way to avoid making decisions about what truly matters. Without clear priorities, everything feels urgent and important, leading to a chaotic schedule.
4. Fear: From fear of trying, fear of failing, FOMO to a mix of all the above.
More often than not, similarly to procrastination. we can find ourselves using the "I'm too busy" narrative as a protective mechanism.
Ask yourself: What is this story I am telling myself of me being "too busy" protecting me from?
Tips to Overcome Overwhelm and Procrastination
Understanding the root causes of our perceived busyness is the first step toward managing it. Here are some strategies to help:
1. Assess and Prioritise
Take a step back and assess your commitments. List out all your tasks and responsibilities, then categorise them based on urgency and importance. Use the Eisenhower Matrix**, which divides tasks into four quadrants:
- Urgent and Important: Do these tasks immediately.
- Important but Not Urgent: Schedule these tasks for later.
- Urgent but Not Important: Delegate these tasks if possible.
- Not Urgent and Not Important: Eliminate these tasks.
By clearly seeing where each task falls, you can prioritize more effectively and reduce the feeling of overwhelm.
**You can find this and other practical exercises in my latest book.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Setting realistic goals can make daunting tasks seem achievable. Use the SMART criteria to define your goals.
3. Adopt Time Management Techniques
Implement time management strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This can increase productivity and reduce burnout.
4. Create Boundaries
Learn to say no. Not every opportunity or request needs to be met with a yes. Establish boundaries to protect your time and energy. Politely declining additional tasks can help you focus on what truly matters.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and improve focus. Being compassionate with yourself when you feel overwhelmed can also alleviate the pressure of busyness.
6. Delegate and Outsource
Recognise that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to others, outsource where possible or work with a professional to support you. This can free up your time to focus on higher-priority activities.
7. Reflect and Adjust
Regularly reflect on your schedule and commitments. What’s working? What isn’t? Adjust your approach as needed to ensure you’re managing your time effectively.
The next time you catch yourself saying, "I'm too busy," take a moment to reflect on what’s really going on. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you procrastinating? By addressing these underlying issues and implementing effective strategies, you can take control of your time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters. And if you want some guided support but are not ready to work 1:1 with a professional wellbeing coach right now, my latest book can help you.
In this book you will discover how to become your own life coach and maintain your personal growth even when you're not working with an accredited coaching professional. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey, to learn how to you can effectively enhance your life using a powerful coaching framework based on the GROW model, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and a dash of journaling techniques.
While navigating the pages of this workbook you will be provided with a structure to help you set and achieve your goals.You will explore a step by step journey and learn to identify what you truly want, assess your current situation, explore various strategies, and commit to actionable plans.
Remember, being busy isn’t a badge of honour. It’s a signal to reassess, prioritise, and find balance in your life. So, instead of letting busyness dictate your days, take charge and create a schedule that aligns with your values and goals.
Carla Carolina Watson is a mother, Wellbeing Coach, Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, Yoga & Breathwork Teacher and energy worker.
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