Be less busy. Create more.
A few years ago, I decided to be better about asking people how they’re doing. You know, stuff like what they’re working on, how their family is, how that new hobby is going, etc. The extrovert in me thought it was a nice way to converse with people that I don’t see very often. The introvert in me knew it was a clever way to ensure that I didn’t become the topic of conversation. Bam. Win-win.
For years, the answer I almost always got was, “busy.” That person was busy. They were doing things and the amount of things was so much that they were doing those things a lot.
Busy.
Also for those years, that answer became acceptable, albeit expected. (Note: can we please acknowledge that I used the word “albeit?” Thanks. Let’s move on….). It was good to be busy. If you weren’t busy, then you were either doing something incorrectly or a total slacker…if not both.
Busy is dumb.
In recent years, though, I’ve adjusted my opinion of “busy” and realize that it’s pretty dumb. Busy means you might be doing a lot of things, but what impact does it all have? What impact do you have?
They call it “busy work” for a reason. Yes, some busy work has to be done and is usually mindlessly completed with no interest, perspective, or knowledge of the larger purpose or vision.
And then, there is some busy work that, in the grand scheme of things, really doesn’t need to be done at all. We’ve all done it. We’ve all been there. It’s ok. But not really. It’s neither inspired nor inspiring. Not sustainable.
What if instead of being busy, we make and create more? Art. Decisions. New paths. Friends. Futures. Relationships. Connections. Plans. Experiences. These are just a few things that aren’t “busied,” they are made and created.
Did 2017 seem to fly by super fast?
Yeah, me too. But when I actually take a look back, A LOT happened. Things that happened in the beginning of the year seem like a lifetime ago. For me, that is the sign of a solid, eventful year. A year of making and creating.
This year, I’m making another attempt at having another eventful year. I am not sure what that means just yet (hey, we’re in day #4. Cut me some slack), but I will say I’ll be taking an audit of my time to maximize how much time — and how much value — I can bring to the things in which I’m involved. Value to family. My business venture. Music. Art. And whatever else.
TBD on how this is all going to turn out, but the beginning of a year is as good a time as any to evaluate and plan how you want to allocate your time. 2017 was great and a hard act to follow.
Challenge accepted.
Whatever you’re doing, make 2018 a great one.
#bewhatyoumake
