When did being busy become a personality?
By Nieve Cavanagh
Edited by Anna Kate Mereness
A socially acceptable way to avoid yourself and others. That is what being “busy” has become.
Well, guess what? I’m not buying it.
Sure, having a packed schedule may make you feel productive and accomplished, but bragging about it makes you sound trivial. Everyone is busy. We live in a time when everyone is trying to keep up with the Joneses and say yes to every opportunity. Having a lot on your plate is not unique to any one person, but using it as a crutch might be.
It’s one thing for someone to tell you how busy they are as a flex. Sure, it may be a bit annoying, but it’s not a serious offense. The real issue lies in using “busy” as an excuse to neglect the people most important to you. When your friends or family reach out to catch up or spend time together, there is only one thing you should do: make time. Overbooking yourself is a self-inflicted issue. It should not come between your relationships.
The most important thing we have is human connection. Acting as though you don’t have time in your schedule for others means you are sacrificing meaningful relationships. You prioritize looking productive over feeling fulfilled. Your life may look impressive to other people, but those closest to you will just see neglect.
Having this “busy mindset” not only damages your relationships with others but also your relationship with yourself. Making busyness part of your identity can leave you feeling lost. You learn to define yourself by what you do rather than who you are. You tie your worth to productivity and feel valuable only when you are accomplishing something. You lose yourself...to a task.
So, the next time you hear someone use the excuse of “being busy being busy,” remind them to take a step back and make time for themselves and others.
Hang up and hangout!!!