It’s a word that seems to dominate conversations: "busy." Almost every time I ask someone how things are going, the response is, "Oh, I am so busy." It's almost as if being busy is a badge of honor, a status symbol in a society that glorifies the hustle. We’ve been conditioned to believe that a packed schedule equates to success, that being busy means we’re climbing the ladder of life—more money, more work, more achievements. But has it ever crossed your mind that busyness isn’t synonymous with productivity?
Let’s pause and think about it for a moment. What does the word "busy" really convey? It’s not just a casual remark; it’s a declaration. "I am busy" translates to "I am stressed, unavailable, and I don't even have time for myself." It’s a subtle, yet powerful, message that shapes how we interact with the world around us. And guess what? This mindset manifests itself in our work environments. Look around—how often do you see people working under tension and anxiety?
Reflect on how many times you’ve told yourself, "I don’t have time," or "It’s hard to find time." This phrase, "I am busy," has seeped so deeply into our daily vocabulary that it’s become a self-fulfilling prophecy. But here’s something to consider: what if, instead of saying "busy," you started saying "productive"?
Think about the shift in energy. Saying "My day is productive" or "I am productive" doesn’t just sound better; it actually feels better. It’s a subtle change, but it can lead to a major transformation in how you approach your day. Being productive implies that you’re not just filling your time, but using it wisely and with purpose. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
So, I encourage you to rethink your vocabulary. Swap "busy" for "productive" and see how it changes not just your outlook, but your reality. You might find that you’re not only more relaxed but genuinely more effective in your work and life.
Your Good Friend and Mentor
Payal Nanjiani
Do you have leadership challenges right now? #ASKPAYAL your burning leadership questions.
If you have a question or a challenge related to your career, self-development, and Leadership, this is your opportunity to Ask Payal.
Payal Nanjiani’s tools and techniques have helped millions of people across the globe to take their leadership and career to the next level. Share your question and Payal will be answering the most common questions on her Social media sites.
Comments