Results of 'I'm Too Busy' •

Funny…

When you pray for something and it comes; you’d think you’d be exhilarated, huh? Well, for months, my business had slowed and I prayed and prayed “God send me more work.”

He answered my prayer (and then some) and now, I’m busier than I’ve been in years! I’m a professional training facilitator for workplace teams. I typically utilize personality research (True Colors International is my favorite) and help teams work better together by teaching them how to leverage the strengths on the team while managing team weaknesses. Small group activities and dynamic, interactive processes make my workshops fun and have, lately, made me a sought-after and popular training consultant.

In the last few weeks, I’ve been at a community college, a hospital, a nonprofit consortium, and a large company. On top of that, I was the mistress of the ceremony for a women’s retreat.

Oh yeah, in the meantime, I’ve taught two classes at my church, attended one baseball game, and provided technical assistance for a youth organization!

Do you think that’s all I’m doing? Well, nope, I’m also learning ASL sign language in my spare time! My brother is deaf and is coming to visit. I’m a little rusty in my sign language, so I’ve got to hop to it! Ha!

Maybe I’m Too Busy

Is it even possible to be “too busy”?

This is a question I have wrestled with for some time. Depending on your personality, you may thrive on being a super busy person.

The adrenaline rush of deadlines is like candy to you! It keeps your blood moving. Other temperaments might find businesses a burden and avoid it at all costs.

With that said, what do you think?

Is it possible to be too busy? As I ponder this question, the first thing that comes to mind is my stress level.

Since I’m not crazy busy three hundred sixty-five days of the year, I am not terribly stressed out. Consequently, I don’t think I am too busy.

When my busyness keeps me tightly wound, I think that’s a problem, don’t you? For instance, if my heart is continually racing (as one would experience in a panic attack) or if I’m consistently irritable, then I’m likely stressed.

Losing sleep worrying about all the things I need to do could also be an indication that I’m stressed. Thankfully, I don’t feel that way, but should I ever, then I know I’m likely too busy.

Here are a few other signs you might be too busy from Christine and Nicholas Cane. You’ll find them on the Propel Women website here.

Am I I'm Too Busy that I'm not sleeping?

Your emotions are a hot mess. I’ll be this is linked to the stress response. Do you cry often when you’re stressed out? Maybe, as I mentioned above, you bite everyone’s head off. These are both emotional responses that could be linked to the stress of being too busy.

You’re not taking care of yourself. Once I had a hairstylist who was one of the most popular stylists in our city. I mean her schedule was popping! Weekly, consistent meetings were the only way I could remain on her schedule and ensure I had an appointment with her. Maybe that’s why I do my own hair these days.

Anyway.

This girl had skills! She could do the most creative styles and all her clients’ hair was healthy.

One thing though.

Her hair looked like one of those squirrel’s nests you see up in a tree.

I don’t share this to be unkind. I’m making a point.

Busyness and neglecting the most important thing.

You’re hair? You’re doing my hair? Something is wrong here, Girl!

“Girl, I have time to do everyone else’s hair, but not my own.” She once said.

That made no sense to me whatsoever. But, it was her reality.

When you’re too busy to take care of yourself, something is very wrong. Diana Ross, the beautiful, iconic singer, once taught me this lesson in one of her interviews with Oprah Winfrey. She basically said you can not take care of those you love if you don’t take care of yourself. Lesson learned.

The article went on to cite illness, lateness and self-medicating as indicators of being overextended. Each of these is a stress response. Stress is dangerous and can take you out of here faster than a bullet.

The final indication you’re too busy that the article cites is missed time with God. Just as I said stress will take you out of here faster than a gunshot, time away from the Lord will do the same to you spiritually.

Without time alone with God, we shrivel up and die as does a plant or tree pulled from its source of nourishment. I’ve noticed if I pull a weed or some grass from the yard and leave it there, it will die.