Sometimes it seems that we are all rushing around, being “crazy busy” and “super overwhelmed” and “trying to slow down.”  Like keeping up with the Joneses is no longer about just our manicured front lawn, but who can out busy someone else.  I think it feels icky.  I want to be less busy and more productive… ahhhh.

What if I told you that you could be even more productive AND rush less? That busy is a state of mind.  That time can be your friend.

Exhale.  Sounds good, right?  Let’s all support each other in stepping off the hamster wheel of life.

There are 24 hours in a day for each of us.  We literally all have the same amount of time. How we use it varies widely.

There are people who have every second accounted for each day, and yet they look cool as a cucumber.  They move mindfully and intentionally.  They are extremely efficient.

There are others who appear to have more time than person A, but are always rushing. They appear stressed.  They look like the Tasmanian Devil, whirling about. (If this is you, here are some tips to be less overwhelmed.)

Which one do you want to be? (No self-judgement here!  Just explore.)

The topic of time is endless fuel for conversation.  Here are 3 ways to help you reconsider your personal relationship with time, and how you can make it work for you rather than against you.

Know your own personal threshold for overwhelm.  Some people are introverts and need alone time to refuel.  Others are energized by being in groups.  We each have a different tipping point for what we can handle, and that’s OKAY.  Know what your’s is and honor it. (Hint: learning to say no can help).

Track your time, and notice how much time it actually takes to get things done.  Plan your time according to accurate measures of how long things will take, so you’re not running crazy.  Also notice where you waste time (i.e. social media, last minute grocery store runs for one item).  Decide which of those time wasters bring you pleasure or forward your goals, and which do not.  Adjust accordingly.

MINDSET shift.  This one requires you to go deep and be honest. If you are someone who often answers the question “How are things going?” with answers like “I’m so busy. Life is crazy.  Hectic, but fine.”  Ask yourself what you are getting out of living your life from that lens.   It may sound nuts, but we often gain something even out of habits we don’t enjoy.  For example, you may like others to think that you have a meaningful life because you’re “always busy.”  Or, you might secretly desire the attention you get when you say “I’m so overwhelmed.”  Or, perhaps, you feel like you should be busy because everyone else seems to be, and you’re embarrassed to admit that life is flowing smoothly, and you’re more content than crazed.  Decide if you want to let this lens go and try on a new one… a calm, radiant you.

More peace, more clarity, and more productivity are available to you.

In the comments below, tell us how you deal with being busy in your life. Your strategies and insights might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Thank you for being a part of this Badass + Brilliant community all over the world.  And for hanging out with me each week!  And if you like what you’re reading, please share it with your friends!  Buttons down below for easy sharing 🙂

Keep being Badass + Brilliant.  You are change agents.  The world needs you.

Game on!

xo

Sage

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P.P.S.  February is almost over, and with it goes the end of my amazing offer.  New year’s resolutions have faded, and maybe you need a compassionate kick in the ass get you going? Yeah, that’s what I thought.  SO… I’m offering my 2 hours “power session” for only $197 (typically $347).  If you’ve been waiting for your chance to check out coaching, or if you’re READY to get into action, this is for YOU.