Why You Shouldn’t Say You’re "Busy" Ever Again
Speaking at the Inc. Women’s Summit last year, Anese Cavanaugh, founder and CEO of Dare to Engage, offered a surprising bit of advice for all the up-and-coming business leaders in attendance: Ban “busy” from your vocabulary right now.
Cavanaugh argued that “busy” is a symptom of a much bigger problem. “The bigger problem,” she explained, “is a lack of intention, a lack of presence, a lack of clarity, and in some cases it’s wanting to feel really, really important. So ‘busy’ becomes this badge of honor that we use.” Cavanaugh added that “being busy” doesn’t make you more important, more productive, or more valuable: “It just makes you tired.”
Furthermore, the appearance of being “too busy” undermines your impact as a leader—both to your team and people on the outside looking in.
But how do you overcome “busy” fatigue?
Cavanaugh says you can leave “busy” behind by cultivating a stronger leadership presence and being engaged in the here and now. “If I’m fully present in this moment,” she said, “I do not feel busy.”
Watch Anese Cavanaugh discussing this below:
Or watch the full 50-minute discussion on Vimeo.
What do you think? Are you ready to ban “busy” from your vocabulary?
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