“I’m Busy.”
More often than not, when I ask someone how they’re doing, the answer is, “Busy.”
I get it. Between clients, team needs, meetings, family, and the unexpected thing that needs attention right now, most of us have plenty to do. I’ve given that answer myself. What I’m learning to ask next is a more helpful question: Busy doing what?
A full day can feel wonderful when you know your effort made a difference. You helped someone on your team grow in confidence. You had a conversation that cleared up a misunderstanding. You served a client well or took a step toward something you care deeply about. You may be tired at the end of that day, and you can still feel good about how you spent it.
Other days are full of activity that seems to lead nowhere. You answer the same questions again, sit through a meeting without a clear purpose, and take care of tasks that landed on your plate simply because you’ve always done them. You go home worn out and wonder what all that effort was for.
A full calendar doesn’t always mean a meaningful day.
That’s why this thought has been on my mind: Burnout can come from doing too much that doesn’t matter. Of course, there are seasons when the amount we’re carrying needs attention, too. Still, it’s worth asking whether our time and energy are going toward the things we say are important. Knowing your values gives you a way to answer that question.
Let your values help you choose.
If you value growth, are you making room for your own development and giving others opportunities to learn? If you value relationships, does your calendar leave space to listen and connect? If you value integrity, are you addressing the issue everyone sees and no one wants to discuss? Values become useful when they help you decide what deserves your attention today.
Intentional Living is one of my all-time favorite John C. Maxwell books. John writes, “When you intentionally use your influence every day to bring about positive change in the lives of others, you achieve significance.”
I love the word intentionally in that sentence. Good intentions are easy to collect. We intend to spend more time developing our team, check in with a friend, or plan for the future of our business. Then the week fills up. Living our values asks us to make choices while other things are competing for our time.
Take a look at where your time is going.
Here’s a small exercise to try this week. Think of two or three values you want to guide the way you lead and live. Then look at your calendar and your to-do list. Where do you see those values in action? What keeps taking your time without supporting them? Is there one thing you could delegate, change, or stop doing so you can give more attention to what matters?
You may discover that a task you thought was unimportant actually supports something you value. You may also find that an obligation you’ve carried for years no longer does. The goal is to get curious and make a thoughtful choice.
The next time someone asks how you’re doing, you might still answer, “Busy.” I hope you can also say what you’re busy for. That’s where your values can turn a crowded calendar into a more intentional life.
I’d love to walk alongside you on the journey. Please reach out. I look forward to chatting with you soon!
Kris
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