Despite what conversations might suggest as of late, there is no award for ‘Most Busy.’
No cookie. No gold star. No parade or ticker tape. No trophy. No nothing.
And yet, it seems when you ask anyone the obligatory small-talk icebreaker of ‘How are you?’ – ourselves included – the now-requisite ‘busy’ is almost guaranteed to be the response – or some creative variation: ‘swamped,’ ‘crazy,’ ‘hectic.’
The requisite response is then almost assuredly followed by the detailed everything-but-the-kitchen-sink list of what, exactly, is consuming your time.
Work projects. Kids’ activities. Sporting events. Domesticities. Social activities. Volunteering obligations. And on and on … and on.
Then, as if like clockwork, the conversation is punctuated with a hearty sigh and declaration of exhaustion.
It’s a maddeningly predictable conversation recipe: Just add ‘busy.’
Listen. We’re all busy. Sometimes, we’re busy by choice. Sometimes, we’re busy because life willed it so. Sometimes, we’re busy because we have to be. Sometimes, we’re busy because we want to be.
Busyness is now aspirational – a status symbol, even – more than luxury material goods. But contrary to what the adage ‘time is money’ might suggest, time is the one commodity we cannot produce, replicate or recoup. It is more precious and finite than literally anything else.
That imaginary trophy kind of loses its luster when you think about exactly what we’re #humblebragging about not having enough of, doesn’t it?
But just as we’ve always assured you – we’ve got you, especially when it comes to your business busyness. Here are four tips from our very own superstar CEO, Tricia Sciortino, for managing your energy to fit everything in and have an ideal work week.
And then share and communicate it with your team. Make sure the things you know have to happen weekly are always blocked off and scheduled at the same time on your calendar.
Look at when you’re at your best and most productive – Are you a morning person or an afternoon person? – and schedule meetings then. The other half of the day can be designated for administrative work and tasks you haven’t already worked on – if you haven’t already delegated them.
File this under: #sorrynotsorry. The biggest caveat to having an ideal work week is recognizing that it only works if you steadfastly adhere to the boundaries you’ve created – and that means you have to be OK saying ‘no’ or ‘not now.’
While it may be tempting to fill out your week to feel accomplished and organized, listen carefully: Resist this urge. Do your future self a favor and leave blank spaces for when, well, life happens. Because it will. Your future self will thank you.
Ready to withdraw yourself from the Busyness Contest – especially now that you know there’s no cookie? We don’t blame you and we support you! Check out Tricia’s Ideal Week template. This is how she manages her time each week.