the busyness paradox
Do you ever find yourself scribbling onto page two of your to-do list, or tirelessly trying to find the perfect productivity app that will magically align all of your tasks in a way that maybe, just maybe you will get to check that last box complete? I know I have.
I have been a busy bee all my life. I thought that the busier I was, or the busier I looked, the more appreciation, gratification, or fulfillment I would receive. People would finally see that they "need" me, right?
Wrong. Being busy means you aren’t focusing on long term goals. You are making yourself less productive, and honestly - less valuable. When your boss comes up to you and asks you to work on a project, you say "ok, when do you need it done by?.” We’ve been programmed to say “yes” even when we don’t have a minute of time left for the next six months in our calendar. Busyness has become a way to acknowledge dedication, and leadership potential. It has forced us into thinking that busyness leads to success.
I remember a professor in school telling me that lack of sleep meant you were doing a good job. Do you recall a time when you were feeling delirious from lack of sleep and all of the sudden came up with your best idea ever? Maybe there are some of you out there who can relate, but for most of us - sleep, breaks, time off…those are what drive authentic creativity. My best ideas come to me when I am out walking my dog in the morning, after an afternoon gym session, or sometimes in an evening shower. (Also, if you’ve forgotten what a shower is because you haven’t stopped working since last Friday…stop what you are doing and jump in. You can finish this article later).
Designers and Developers today are trapped in a busyness tunnel. We’ve succumbed to fast fashion, and have found a way to systematically crank out product faster than we can snap our fingers. We’ve lost countless hours of sleep, missed out on vacations, lost friends, and maybe even family along the way. We’ve let life whizz by us just to make sure that ten thousandth tee shirt design got out the door.
"We’ve let life whizz by us just to make sure that ten thousandth tee shirt design got out the door."
The economy is shifting, and consumers are discounting fast fashion. They are looking for value, quality, and original design. Consumers want to connect with the brand they are buying from. If we are all running around doing busy-work, how are we going to make time to fulfill their needs?
How do we shift our mindset from quantity to quality, from short term to long term? Here are a few tips to start:
Ask yourself
Is the work I am putting out valuable? Is what I am creating going to benefit someone else in any way? Am I putting my full effort into the work I am fulfilling? If you’re answering no, then it may be time to reassess. Hit the pause button, call your team together, and work out a plan to bring clarity to your brand POV, shift your processes, refocus your creative direction.
Take a creative excursion
Sign up for an art class, go on a hike and draw, visit a museum, go on a shopping trip. Whatever you decide to do - be sure to look up from your screen. Take it all in, breathe, and feel the inspiration.
Ask for help
Asking for help does not make you weak. In fact, it makes you the bigger person. You are acknowledging that you are focused on the future of the company (or of your brand), and are looking out for what is best. Short term projects are just that, short term. By placing your time and energy on the long term, you’ll realize long term success.
If you are feeling trapped in a busyness spiral drop a note to meganannekrajco@gmail.com or visit my website to see how I can help.
