The Leadership busyness paradox - Creating Confident Leaders

So often we hear others talking about being “busy” as if it is a badge of honour. I’ve even been known to make the comment back to a simple question like “How are you?” with a casual, “Oh, crazy busy, you know how it is.” This exchange is often followed by mutual nods and murmurs of agreement, as if we’re members of an exclusive club of the perpetually occupied.

However, I’ve come to realise that this mindset isn’t healthy or productive, and it was time for a change in perspective.

Busyness isn’t unfounded

It’s important to acknowledge that for many, the claim of busyness isn’t unfounded. Most people genuinely feel overwhelmed by their workloads and responsibilities. Their calendars are actually full, and their to-do lists seem never-ending.

Busyness has become synonymous with productivity and success. We glorify the hustle, equating long hours and packed schedules with achievement. This mindset can create a cycle where we feel pressured to fill our days with tasks, often at the expense of our well-being.

Phenomenon versus productivity

This phenomenon, often glorified as a sign of productivity and importance, isn’t always the best way forward. While being busy can sometimes lead to accomplishments, it can also lead to burnout, stress, and a sense of unfulfillment. When we constantly chase after the next task, we may overlook the importance of rest, reflection, and meaningful connections. The irony is that in our quest to be productive, we often become less effective and less happy.

Breaking this cycle requires a conscious effort to redefine priorities and manage time effectively.

Understanding the Busyness Paradox

The desire to appear busy stems from various societal pressures. Many professionals equate busyness with ambition and competence, believing that a packed schedule signifies importance. However, this often leads to a detrimental cycle where the quality of work diminishes as the quantity of tasks increases. So being busy means being important (to the ego). Yet then the more in demand we are, the harder it becomes to maintain the same level of creativity and effectiveness that initially propelled us forward. Can you see the cycle happening?

The busyness paradox is a mindset that has become so ingrained in our culture and with this we expect it to be said. Which is probably why I developed my throwaway line (plus I’m an introvert, and often very private, so occasionally I don’t want people to know anything else).

Back in the workplace

So back to the workplace, where people are creating their own busyness, filling their schedules with tasks that offer quick gratification but little meaningful output. It’s a complex situation. This behaviour is driven by a desire to feel important and in demand, as well as a tendency to prioritise tasks that are easy to complete over those that are truly significant.

Research shows that while we may feel productive, most people only have a limited amount of truly productive time each day. This discrepancy highlights the inefficiency of multitasking and the need to reassess how we allocate our time.

Strategies to Break the Cycle

Instead of wearing our busyness as a badge of honour, you can shift your focus to valuing quality over quantity. Here are a few actionable steps to consider:

Prioritise Meaningful Work – Focus on tasks that align with your values and long-term goals rather than succumbing to the pressure of filling every minute. It’s essential to assess the urgency and importance of tasks and delegate or decline those that do not align with personal or professional goals. This shift in perspective can alleviate the pressure to be constantly busy.

Set regular goals to be achieved. By setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals, you can avoid getting caught up in micro-tasks like constantly checking emails, which often do not contribute to significant achievements.

Set Boundaries – Learn to say no to commitments that don’t serve your well-being or objectives. Protect your time for rest and rejuvenation. Use tools that block distracting websites or limit social media usage can help maintain focus on more meaningful activities.

Plan for Downtime – Schedule regular breaks and non-busy periods into your week. Change the colour on your scheduler, so that you know that colour means downtime. Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as spending time with loved ones or enjoying nature, can provide a much-needed break from the demands of daily life. This time for rest can rejuvenate your mind and enhance your overall productivity.

Practice Mindfulness – Engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as meditation or journaling, to help you stay present and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Mindfulness encourages you to be present and to make deliberate choices about how you spend your time.

Consider purpose. Rather than viewing busyness as a marker of success, consider the value of purpose and intentionality in your work. Recognise that your worth is not tied to your workload. This can lead to a much healthier perspective on productivity.

And, the hardest part – Instead of merely exchanging pleasantries about being busy, take the time to engage in deeper conversations. Conversations that develop genuine connections. Be curious. And finally learn some new responses that come to your mind quickly when asked.

So, for me, I now try very hard to not say “oh, crazy busy”. Instead, I pause and say just how it is. It was funny because when I do that, I can feel the other party almost squirm, or their energy shift. By avoiding the automatic “busy” response, you’re forced to reflect on your actual state and activities, promoting greater self-awareness. You also have to be aware that not everyone is aware they actually say it, or use it as a way of deflection. My approach is to subtly challenge the cultural norm of wearing busyness as a badge of honour, potentially inspiring others to reconsider their own habits. I hope, for your own inner health, it is yours too.

Breaking the cycle of excessive busyness involves individual efforts to prioritise meaningful activities over superficial busyness. By setting clear goals, changing perspectives, and embracing mindfulness, you can make change, and reclaim your time so that you can focus on what truly matters.