Is Being Busy a Good Thing?

Most adults are busy. People with plenty of free time are either exceptionally successful or doing very little—in any case, they’re in the minority. Most of us have a range of responsibilities and spend our days juggling several things at once.

We often say, “It’s a good thing to be busy.” And being busy can seem better than having nothing to do. But it can also be a little dangerous. Why?

When we’re so focused on handling whatever is right in front of us, we can lose sight of what truly matters to us.

We may not even realize it’s happening. Instead, being busy can give us a vague sense of accomplishment as the days slip by.

But simply keeping up with what’s in front of us won’t change the course of our lives a month, six months, or a year from now.

That’s why, when life gets busy, I think it’s important to consciously shift gears in the opposite direction. Instead of letting the day end with nothing but a list of tasks checked off, we need to push “what matters for achieving our future goals” and “what I want to do now” to the very top of our priorities—even if we have to make ourselves do it.

LIFE IS SHORT.

Even now, every so often I find myself revisiting this famous piece, which was shared around the world several years ago. It’s the Holstee Manifesto, titled “THIS IS YOUR LIFE.”

“This is your life.

Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV.

If you’re looking for the love of your life, stop; they’ll be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love.
Stop overanalyzing. Life is simple.

All emotions are beautiful. Savor every bite of your food. Open your mind, your arms, and your heart to new things and people. We are united by our differences.

Ask the people around you what they’re passionate about, and share your own dreams with them.
Travel often. Getting lost will help you find yourself.

Some opportunities come only once. Seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them. So don’t wait—start creating.

Life is short.
Live your dream, and share your passion.”

Quote and source: halsinan

It’s Your Life—Live It Your Way

I’m not in a position to preach, either. Between housework, raising children, and work, I often find myself swept up in everything I’m supposed to do. But the Porsche owners around me, along with people who keep achieving their life goals, make time and financial investments in the things they want to do and the things that matter for their future.

I want to be more intentional about connecting with people like them and making my own life richer. I also want to become someone they value having in their lives—someone they feel is worth knowing and spending time with. With that in mind, I’ve been thinking about starting a new feature on this blog. (I’ll share more once I’ve worked out the details.)

Of course, some friendships may naturally fade as a result, but that’s just how it goes. I want to keep changing, striving for more, and living a life that’s truly my own.