Are You Using the B-Word?
Throughout your whole life, your parents, teachers, and pastors told you not to lie. While likely they were referring not to lie to others, the most important person you cannot lie to is yourself. And the greatest lie I hear over and over again (I bet if you listen you’ll hear it today) is:
“I was too busy to get that done.”
“I don’t have time to work out.”
“I’m too busy to volunteer.”
“I don’t have time to spend with my family.”
What people don’t realize is that the lie they’re telling to themselves is not that they don’t have time; it’s that they haven’t set that thing as a priority. Most people don’t do this maliciously, but more often they haven’t taken a moment to step back and figure out their priorities and get after those. Then when the things that aren't a priority come up, be honest and admit it. Those pressures that other people put on you that you think you’re being nice when you say, “yes,” are only taking away from your true priorities.
So the next time you think, “I’m too busy,” you’re not–it’s just not a priority. And you know what? That can be okay! Just say, “that’s not a priority for me.” But if it is a priority, don’t lie to yourself and use the B-word: “Busy!” Instead, make your time serve your priorities and get it done.
Where are you lying to yourself and using the B-word?
Great post Joe McClung. As someone recently told me....No is a complete sentance. We need to learn how to say no to things so we can say yes to the more important things.
I love this reminder. Its true, If you put your priorities and what's important to you first, those things always get accomplished!
Great reminder! I know every time I say "I'm too busy" that I'm just lying to myself because those things I do day in and day out are priority for me, and they always get done. It's all about what you value and making sure you set that time aside.
I have to say, the title grabbed my attention. I just had to click to see what the "B-word" was. Funny enough, I was building an Individual Action Plan and one of my potential barriers was that I was too busy, but I agree, it's all about prioritization. I certainly have time for Candy Crush in the evening and catching up on Netflix.
Also never use the word can't...there is a better way to characterize or communicate the reality of things.