TOO BUSY? Replacing the 'urgency' habit defaults

"I'm sorry, I have been so busy..."

An honest yet revealing confession that has rolled off my tongue far too many times!

A regretful explanation which requires more self evaluation for the frequency and my ignored habits.

'I've been so busy' is self justification for being lost in the to do list; work deadlines, school, kid's activities, family challenges, repairs, projects, meetings, sickness, friend's needs, visitors....it goes on. There are plenty of other things to add and it makes me sound productive!

Many are extremely necessary. Things I enjoy and am passionate about but there is an overcrowding. All are gradually edging me away from the real meaning and design of 'life in all its fullness'! (John 10:10)

Tyranny of the Urgent

My Dad handed me this titled booklet when I was in my early twenties (and struggling with overwhelm about all the things I had to do...which was long before I had 5 kids or had pioneered a non-profit organisation; which now makes me laugh!...I had no clue!)

Charles Hummel's business bestseller outlines the tension between things that are urgent and things that are important. Understanding the difference and how to respond instead of react is key to realignment and redesigning our days.

The Urgent Default

We naturally respond to and prioritise 'the urgent'; the things that require immediate attention and crisis management. They often increase stress levels and consume our joy. They gobble our time, absorb energy, and steal our hearts and focus from the things that really matter.

In misfocusing on the everday arising problems we have lost the sharp ability to discern what is actually important in a culture that emphasises urgency. We are somehow even unknowingly addicted to this way of living.

Has busyness become the priority?

Without realising, our automatic internal processors are creating self inflicted disconnection. We are busy reacting to the curveballs, interruptions and distractions and missing what is valuable.

Identifying the Important

The goals and dreams we carry are extremely important. The sparks which ignite us into action. The energizers and lifegivers that sir and propel us forward with fresh ideas into the missions we were created for.

They are the answers to the coaching questions: 'What makes you come alive?' OR 'What do you love doing the most?'

I answer these quite easily but the poor ways I manage my time and energy do not reflect their importance or value. In truth, the things I love are often dominated and drowned out by the pressing 'now'!

Busyness is an overrated excuse!'

Instead of offering a lame and shallow cover up let's look again at our priorities.

We need to sidestep denial and stop overlooking the influence of our blurred boundaries and unbalanced priorities. The pressure to 'conform to the pattern of this world' (Romans 12:2) is a real squeeze which requires insight and strategy.

Busyness is a choice!

Some things are regretfully and unexpectedly stolen but the majority of our time and energy are mindlessly given away.

It is not intentional but the exchange is our own choice and making.

' I don't have time!'

It is time to remove the defence of empty victim language and take responsibility and ownership.

"There IS a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Learning to take time back!

The truth is I have been busy but I have been busy and consumed with the wrong things or have misplaced my yes to what should be a no! I am left at the end of the week weary and drained; unable to follow through with what I dream about and truly want to invest myself in.

The rearrange requires some honest questions and honest reflection.

Do I want to continue spending X many hours responding to crises or joy stealers?

What can I reduce or eliminate this week?

What needs to change so I can focus and apply myself fully to the important?

Time is a gift to serve the goals I carry. It is not something I own but something God has entrusted and allowed me to steward.

'My times are in your hands'

Psalm 31:15

NOW the urgent first lesson is an accurate look in the mirror. Reality bites a little, but the sting will help reshape the narrative.

Instead of the 'default' excuse start reframing your speech today with 'I am learning to value time'. This just shifts your decision making process to make an intentional asessment instead of rolling in the habits.

This is the starting point. I will share some other tips and tools that are helping me change my choices in an upcoming post. I am an ongoing work in progress

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