Being “busy” has become a badge of honor and often feels like our default response when someone asks how we’re doing. In this article, I’ll explore ten ways to shift our perspective and reconnect with what truly matters.
The standard answer I give when someone asks me, “How are you doing?” is “Good, Busy but Good.” The irony of this statement is not lost on me—I write about simple and intentional living, yet I know that being busy doesn’t always mean being good. As an introvert who craves calm and cherishes quiet, “good” for me would mean just that—quiet!
I don’t say these things to convince ourselves or to reassure others. But labeling ourselves as “too busy,” whether in our thoughts or casual conversations with friends, can become a trap. It often leads to stress, overwhelm, and a disconnection from what truly matters.
Here’s the good news: we don’t have to wear “busy” as a badge of honor. It is possible to focus on what truly matters, feel more fulfilled, and live intentionally without being perpetually swamped. In this article, I’ll explore why we’ve come to equate busyness with worth and, more importantly, how we can begin to break free from that mindset.
Why Being Busy Celebrated?
First, it is essential to reflect on why busyness has become ingrained in our lives. Society often equates being busy with being successful. We’re praised for always being “on the go” and admired for long work hours, while a slower, more intentional pace is rarely celebrated.
This mindset can make us feel that our worth is tied to how much we’re doing rather than who we are.
It’s also worth noting that being busy is different from being productive. You can be constantly busy yet accomplish very little of real value. In some cases, busyness even becomes a form of procrastination—a way to avoid tasks we’d rather not face.
At times, staying busy can make us feel important and needed. We might pack our days to find purpose or because we think it’s what’s expected of us. And let’s be honest—keeping busy can be easier than slowing down and confronting what we truly want or need.
It can distract from uncomfortable emotions like fear, insecurity, or boredom.
Here are some Tips and Tricks to Reframe Our Need to Be Busy
If this feels relatable, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves caught in the cycle of busyness. But the good news is that we can begin to let go of “busy” and move toward a more straightforward, more intentional way of living.
Some of these ideas are easier said than done. Life is sometimes complicated, and there will always be times when we have to do things we’d rather not. Still, we have more choices in spending our time than we often realize.
Take these suggestions and apply them however, they work for you—even if it’s just to become more mindful of how and where your time is going. Small steps count, and even a little awareness can help you create space to feel less busy whenever possible.
1) Recognise That “Busy” Doesn’t Mean “Productive” or “Successful”
Being busy can mean something other than being productive. Even if your day is complete, you must still progress on what truly matters. Have you ever had a day where you rushed through countless tasks but still felt like you achieved nothing important? That’s because busyness often leads to exhaustion, not real accomplishment.
2) Focus on What’s Truly Productive
Take a moment to distinguish between productive tasks and those that keep you busy. If you have a to-do list, prioritize the tasks that align with your goals or values and let go of the less important ones, at least for now.
3) Start Saying “No” (Without Guilt)
We often take on too much because we feel obligated to say “yes” to everything—work, social events, or favors. But saying “yes” to everything doesn’t make us better; it just makes us more exhausted. Learning to say “no” can feel awkward initially, but it’s a powerful way to protect your time and energy.
Start small—decline an invite or reschedule a task that doesn’t add value to your day. Remember, when you say no to what doesn’t matter, you’re saying yes to what does.
4. Stop Glorifying Busyness in Conversations
Talking about how busy we are has become the norm, almost like a badge of honor. But what if we shifted that perspective? Instead of saying, “I’ve been so busy,” try saying, “I’ve been focusing on…” or “I’ve been prioritizing…” This small change can help us view our lives differently and focus on what truly matters.
Next time someone asks how you’ve been, resist the urge to reply with “busy.” Instead, share something meaningful, like enjoying a good book or spending quality time with loved ones. It’s a refreshing way to connect and might inspire others to rethink the “busy” narrative.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Slow Down
Busyness often causes us to rush from one task to another without pausing. Practicing mindfulness—giving your full attention to one thing at a time—can help counter this constant race. Slowing down allows us to see life as a collection of enjoyable moments, not just tasks to complete.
Start small: spend five minutes each morning taking deep breaths and setting a positive intention for the day. During the day, try focusing entirely on one task without distractions. These simple habits can reduce stress and help you stay present instead of rushing toward the next thing.
6. Set Boundaries Around Your Time
If you don’t set boundaries, others can take up your time, work emails, or random requests. Setting limits might feel strange initially, but making space for what matters to you is essential.
Start small—like deciding not to check emails after a specific time—and see how much time and energy it saves.
7. Let Go of Perfectionism
Trying to do everything perfectly can make simple tasks take much longer than necessary. Remember, things don’t have to be perfect—”good enough” is often just fine. Letting go of perfection can save you time and make life easier.
7. Adopt a “Good Enough” Approach
Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for “good enough.” If a task is done well enough to serve its purpose, move on. Trust that good is often sufficient.
8. Make Time for Rest and Fun
Rest and fun are essential, not luxuries. Make time for hobbies, relaxation, or spending time with friends to recharge and avoid burnout. Schedule these moments like any other necessary appointment.
9. Reframe “Productivity” as “Progress”
Instead of feeling the pressure to be constantly productive, focus on making progress. Set one or two small goals each day and celebrate each step forward, no matter how small.
10. Embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)
Let go of FOMO and embrace JOMO. Enjoy the peace that comes from saying no to things that don’t matter, and give yourself permission to relax and do nothing when needed.
It’s okay to be busy sometimes, but constant busyness isn’t the goal. Life doesn’t have to be all about To-Do lists. Focus on what matters, set boundaries, and make time to rest.
Letting go of “busy” isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what truly matters. Be present and kind to yourself, and make small changes for a simpler, more balanced life.
Read how to write your mission statement here.