Is it really cool to be busy?

This summer, Audrey and I are reading through a book called “Ordering your Private World”. It’s quite profound, so we decided to read through it and discuss it with a couple friends of ours. This most recent chapter resonated with most of us.

“How did we get to a day when stress and fatigue are almost of badge of success?”

This is a pretty amazing statement! Think about it… Whenever we meet someone, the first thing out of our mouth is “how’s it going” or “how you doing”. 9.9 times out of 10, the person’s response is “good”! Then, if you drill down even just a little bit, 9.5 times out of 10 they say, “I’m just so busy” or “I’m so tired”. It’s true, right? Aside from the obvious question as to whether or not you’re really asking “how they’re doing” (it’s probably replaced “hello” or “what’s up”), why do we feel that it makes us more important to say that we’re busy? Or, better yet, why do we have a natural sense of accomplishment or respect if we’re busy? I could write a book on how busyness could actually destroy your life and family, but for this post, I’d like to focus on your organization.

I would argue that the busier a leader is (business owner, CEO, chairman, pastor, etc.) the poorer his organization is run. In other words, if the guy running the show is killing himself, then it is very clear his organization isn’t run well and there isn’t any true leadership.

So, if that’s the case, then wouldn’t it be more appropriate (more respectful, more encouraging) if instead of replying “I’m so tired and busy” we all replied “I’m open and free and i’m feeling great!” Think of how different your life would be if you were “open and free”. Think of how different (how much stronger) your organization would be if you encouraged that down through your employees!

Here are some red flags to look out for…

1. I’m most often gratified only by accomplishment.
2. I’m preoccupied with the symbols of accomplishment.
3. I’m usually caught in the uncontrolled pursuit of expansion.
4. I tend to have a limited regard for integrity.
5. I’m not likely to bother myself with the honing of people skills.
6. I tend to be highly competitive.
7. I often possess a volcanic force of anger.
8. I’m usually abnormally busy, I’m averse to play, and I usually avoid spiritual worship.

Here’s a Nooma video that touches on this topic. It sums this up perfectly…