Eat Pray Run DC

Running hard, eating well and living a grace-filled life in Washington D.C.

Searching for something?

  • Start Here!
    • Featured In…
    • 30 before 30 List!
    • My Favorite Things
    • Wedding
  • Eat!
  • Run
  • Blogging 101
    • How to Start a Blog
  • Contact Me!
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Stop Being Too Busy

April 19, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC61 Comments

Q: “Hey, how are you?” 

A: “Good, but busy.”

How many times in a week do you have a conversation that starts that way? If you are anything like me, more than you care to recall. It seems that being “busy” is now really just a status symbol that represents how important we are. It’s something that most of us do and I honestly think it’s gotten out of hand (speaking for myself here, y’all. #realtalk). So read on to see how I’m going to stop the busy trap. 

HOW TO STOP THE BUSY TRAP

Listen, there is no way to stop being too busy – life is busy. That is just a fact. But you can stop the busy trap – which is the idea that by constantly saying how busy you are it somehow validates you or your work. Here’s a few ways to start doing that:

  • When someone asks you how you are doing, take five seconds, think about it and tell them about something specific that is happening in your life rather than giving a rout “too busy” answer. Here’s an example: “hey, how are you?” “oh, I’m good. I am presenting at a conference in Chicago this week and am so excited for visiting the home of deep dish pizza” (perhaps this is something I said today. I mean, pizza is good, no judgment). 
  • If you constantly find yourself thinking that you are too busy (I’m raising my hand here) take a step back and actually chart your time. When I do this, I discover that actually when I really focus on completing tasks as opposed to stopping to check email / facebook / etc., I’m quite efficient. I like to work in 45 minute chunks and then take a stretch / social media / snack break. This might not work for you, but looking at how you are actually spending your time may reveal that you are not quite as busy as you imagined. 
  • When someone responds with “busy” when you ask how they are, follow up with a question / comment like this: “Yes, life is so busy. What are you really looking forward to this month?” This acknowledges that they are feeling overwhelmed and gives them the chance to shift that into actually talking about something fun that is going on with them. 
  • Commit to not saying the word busy in reference to yourself for a week. Just try it. I’m in the middle of trying to do this now and I’ll admit, it’s tough. “Busy.” It just seems to roll right off my tongue and in fast paced DC, people actually are busy. But that’s not the point. The point is that, like I mentioned earlier, life is busy. But that busyness isn’t a badge or honor nor should it be. 

Do you fall victim to the busy trap? Have you ever tried to stop being “too busy?” How’d it go?


Comments

  1. stacey says

    April 19, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    Wow perfect timing! Lately busy has become a common word coming out of both mine and my fiance’s mouths. My goal for this week is to make time for things I want to do and not use the B word so much πŸ™‚
    stacey recently posted…Nine DaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 19, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      I was really writing this to myself – I’ve been so bad w/abusing the b word! Good luck this week πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    April 19, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    Oh, I am the worst at this.
    I always say I am busy when people ask.
    I think my standard answer is, “Good, but busy!.”
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Loving Lately – AprilMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 19, 2015 at 6:57 pm

      Yep, me too. Ugh. I’m trying to change it.

      Reply
  3. Megs says

    April 19, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    Right in the heart… and it makes me cringe every time I say it, but that’s the quickest explanation sometimes! I like the idea of picking something specific.

    Also, please bring me some pizza…

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 19, 2015 at 6:56 pm

      Lol. I am bringing you pizza in July! xx

      Reply
  4. Kelli says

    April 19, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    Very interesting topic. I find that choosing to let certain things go is my sanity/relief from being busy. My house is a disaster – we have a remodel going on, there is dust everywhere, and if I manage to put clean laundry away sometime between this weekend and next then it will be a good week. Unless we are having company (hardly ever), I’ve decided I don’t care and I’d rather use the extra time for sleep, training, hanging out with family, or catching up with my virtual community online. I also try to have 15 minutes every night where I read a magazine or book before bed.
    Kelli recently posted…Grumpy Kel Attempts a DuathlonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 19, 2015 at 10:16 pm

      I think you have a great approach! You can’t do everything all of the time πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. thesimplepeach says

    April 19, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    This could not be more true! I hate being busy but find that I am usually more unproductive than busy. Sometimes we have to think about the simple things in life and focus on eliminating clutter.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 19, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      Yes, exactly right! I’m trying to be better about this!

      Reply
  6. Jess@ flyiNg feet says

    April 19, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    Thanks for this reminder! I find myself “busy” too often as a full time pharmacy tech, personal trainer, marathoner, and haphazard blogger lol Your tips are helpful!
    Jess@ flyiNg feet recently posted…Making a Difference Link-Up With Miles-to-Go & NUUN GIVEAWAY!!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 19, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      Yep, sometimes it’s just choosing to not fall into that “I’m so busy trap.”

      Reply
  7. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    April 19, 2015 at 11:28 pm

    What a great post! And you hit the nail on the head when you said people use “busy” to validate how “important” they are. I have often thought that. I was at a christian women’s conference once and I love the one saying we learned that Every one of us has the same exact amount of time, it’s just how we use it.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 12:42 am

      Yes – that saying is sooo true and I’m trying to remind myself of that πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    April 20, 2015 at 8:50 am

    Hmm, I think there’s a difference in being too busy and using it as an excuse. I’m always busy, lol, that’s just life but still have time for friends and getting my priority stuff done. If I’m talking to a good friend and say I’m busy I usually follow it up with something else. Interesting though here!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Countdown to Pittsburgh: Training UpdateMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 9:23 am

      Yeah, my point was that life is just busy – I don’t know anyone who isn’t busy with life. But I think that by constantly talking about how busy you are, it’s almost like bragging: like “oh I’m so busy.” I personally think that always leading with “I’m too busy” has become a badge of honor that I don’t want to wear anymore. Even though the fact that I am busy isn’t going to change – it’s not going to change for anyone. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  9. Stephanie says

    April 20, 2015 at 11:02 am

    I like to think that I escaped the “busy trap” when I decided to stay home with my children. Then I started a blog… Lol. I choose to respond with a feeling rather than an action when people ask how I’m doing and usually I respond with “great” or “blessed”. Great post!
    Stephanie recently posted…When Your Healthy Lifestyle is More Like A Healthy DreamMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 11:10 am

      love your responses, stephanie! thanks for stopping by πŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Elle says

    April 20, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    I think it just a GIVEN that everyone is busy these days. I hate hearing it and I make a point of not using it in conversation. Sounds kinda pretentious like you are implying the other person is NOT busy.
    Elle recently posted…Sunday Run Day… Monday InsightsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      yeah, i agree!!

      Reply
  11. Coach Henness says

    April 20, 2015 at 1:25 pm

    Hmmm. I might try some of these tips!
    Coach Henness recently posted…5 Snatchable SnacksMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Margo says

    April 20, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    I hate it when people constantly complain about being so busy. It’s like they are more important than you. (BIG time work peeve.)
    Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog 110: The AcaciaTV Subscription Giveaway @AcaciaFitnessMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 2:59 pm

      oh yes. we are ALL busy – it’s called life πŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. Artney says

    April 20, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    You weren’t just talking to yourself…I’m so guilty! I REALLY need to work on that! Great tips!
    Artney recently posted…Jeff Galloway’s Four Ways To Energize Your Day and Clear Your BrainMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    April 20, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    This is a great post, Courtney! I rarely ever say that I’m busy, even though I might be, because I rarely feel busy; I do, however, say it to Jonathan when I’m wishing he would ask if he could help me do something around the house – ha! So, as you can see, I use this “term” busy for my own reasons that need to be examined… πŸ˜‰
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend UpdateMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      hahaha love how you use the word busy πŸ™‚

      Reply
  15. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    April 20, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    guilty on all counts! I need to really find a way to adopt to our schedule a little better. I have the tendency to take on too much!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Butterscotch, Chocolate & Oatmeal Protein BarsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      Good to know I’m not alone!

      Reply
  16. Marcia says

    April 20, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    I finally learned from previous years that everything hits the fan as the school year draws to a close, so I do my volunteering earlier in the year rather than now. It makes things SO much better! Make sure you go to Gino’s East!
    Marcia recently posted…CARA 10-Mile Race ReportMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 9:31 pm

      i’m probably going to skip gino’s this visit (trying to eat better) but i’ll definitely have a great time in chicago!

      Reply
  17. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    April 20, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    I’m so so busy but never to busy to run or meet friends! If you want to meet up while you’re in Chicago, let me know! I’m off on Thursdays…
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…CARA Lakefront 10 miler race report: PR and IPAMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 9:32 pm

      okay, i will! thursday actually might work really well – i’ll be in touch πŸ™‚

      Reply
  18. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    April 20, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    I definitely fall into the “I’m too busy” trap more often than I’d like to admit. But taking a step back and really looking at how I’m spending my time helps me to prioritize.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Weekly Training Log – Week of April 13thMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 20, 2015 at 9:32 pm

      yeah, i was not happy w/how much i found myself saying that so i’m working to change my perspective! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  19. Sue@This Mama Runs For Cupcakes says

    April 20, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    OH I am SO guilty of this. I say I’m busy all of the time. i really need to approach it like this in the future. Great way to look at it!

    Reply
  20. Sandra Laflamme says

    April 20, 2015 at 11:26 pm

    Such a great reminder. You should never be too busy for friends or family. I don’t want to fall into the too busy trap anymore!
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Running and reflectingMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    April 20, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    What about when you have 3 jobs, can I say i’m too busy then? lol – no really, I agree. It becomes hard to stay in touch because you really are just so consumed with what’s going on, but that’s no reason to not have a real conversation or be engaged!! Thanks for sharing!
    Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Black Bean QuesadillaMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Katie @ Huff 'n Puff to Buff 'n Tough says

    April 21, 2015 at 12:39 am

    Guilty!! I become busy with everything else and sometimes certain things like my friends, relationships, my household chores suffer a bit because of it. This is a great article!
    Katie @ Huff ‘n Puff to Buff ‘n Tough recently posted…Dirty Girl Mud Run ChicagoMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 8:01 am

      it’s so easy to fall into that trap!

      Reply
  23. jill conyers says

    April 21, 2015 at 4:42 am

    I can’t stop right now but I promise to as soon as I take [and pass] the NASM PT exam πŸ™‚ It’s a temporary too busy!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 8:01 am

      hahaha, okay i can get down with that, jill! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  24. Betsy says

    April 21, 2015 at 7:15 am

    Great post! I think it becomes habit to see busy even if I am not. I prefer to be nonbusy. It is so much more peaceful!
    Betsy recently posted…DailyLook Elite Box Review: April 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 8:03 am

      it IS more peaceful!

      Reply
  25. carissajade says

    April 21, 2015 at 8:35 am

    Great advice! I just realized I say this every single time someone asks me how I’m doing., Definitely taking note and am going to work on this!
    carissajade recently posted…Create A Thought Box To Strengthen Writing HabitsMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Emily says

    April 21, 2015 at 9:32 am

    This is so TRUE. I often feel as if I am very ‘busy,’, but sometimes I’m just running around like a chicken with my head cut off, not really getting much done, but just being ‘busy.’ I feel as if I am often more productive when I focus on the things that I am really called to, instead of trying to do a million and one things. Thanks Courtney!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 10:21 am

      Yes, that’s very true for me as well!

      Reply
  27. MCM Mama Runs says

    April 21, 2015 at 11:29 am

    One of my friends once commented “you don’t own busy,” by which she meant, get over yourself LOL. I need to break some bad habits and make better use of my time because I think that would make me much more efficient…
    MCM Mama Runs recently posted…TOTR: Running from DepressionMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 11:36 am

      ooh, I like that quote from your friend!

      Reply
  28. Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) says

    April 21, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    Definitely guilty on all counts, though I have made gains on slowing down and escaping some of the mindless busy i get sucked into.
    Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…Mayhem Monday: Battling the β€˜MillMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 1:34 pm

      It’s a work in progress for me!

      Reply
  29. Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says

    April 21, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    I have fallen victim to the busy trap but it is because I am BUSY! LOL But seriously – there’s constantly things going on and I rarely respond to folks with the word BUSY other than when it comes to work – because then folks leave you alone. I’ll try to avoid the word this week and see if I can do it.
    Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Product Review: April Fit Snack BoxMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 1:34 pm

      I’m doing well so far – of course it’s only Tuesday πŸ™‚

      Reply
  30. Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says

    April 21, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    I couldn’t agree more!
    Yes, I have lots of things on the go, but I haaaaate the “busy” excuse. We can all make time for what is important to us. I think saying we’re busy has become a way for us to one up other people.
    Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Running Friends are the Best FriendsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      yes – i completely agree about how it is often one upping folks by complaining about how “busy” we are!

      Reply
  31. Hj says

    April 21, 2015 at 5:29 pm

    This is an awesome reminder to not get lazy with our words. Busy does not say anything! Love the idea of breaking the busy habit and helping others keep it real too. Great post, thank you.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 21, 2015 at 7:59 pm

      Thank you – I’m really trying to be intentional about this!

      Reply
  32. Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says

    April 21, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Great tips! I am constantly saying I am busy, and I need to quit that out! πŸ˜€
    Chanel | Cultural Xplorer recently posted…Sushi for Beginners: A Cultural Experience in TokyoMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Patty @ Reach Your Peak says

    April 22, 2015 at 10:56 am

    such great tips! So many people fall into that mindset of needing to justify how busy they are and how much work they are doing. someone i know is always sharing on social media pictures of her office in her NYC building, and “running to meeting after meeting” and “another busy day!” I get it. You’re busy with work…so am I! being busy and working all the time should not be something to strive for, in my opinion. I’m all about work life balance! end rant lol
    Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Are You Doing These 3 Types of Running WorkoutsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      April 22, 2015 at 11:15 am

      EXACTLY!!! I hate seeing that and more than that I hate doing it!

      Reply
  34. GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says

    April 24, 2015 at 8:41 am

    I’m definitely a victim of the too busy trap. Need to manage my time better!
    GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…27 Hearty & Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal RecipesMy Profile

    Reply
  35. adrian says

    April 27, 2015 at 1:19 am

    Good advice! I am SO guilty of this. One thing I’m trying to do is to actually just BE less busy. I realized that I was over-volunteering for stuff just because it made my ego feel good. I’m not kidding – I’ve been doing 30-40 hours a month of volunteer work for the last three or four years in addition to a full time job. That can get really crazy-making. I decided that I could use that time instead for things that would benefit my family instead, like beefing up my blog and doing some things to start producing income with it. #SITSSharefest
    adrian recently posted…7 Tips to Make Your House SELF CLEANINGMy Profile

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, there! I’m Courtney

Welcome to Eat Pray Run DC - I'm passionate about food, running, Jesus, my dog and bacon. Not necessarily in that order. Read More…

Join the Eat Pray Run DC Community & Get Your FREE Copy of Blogging 101!

Follow

Tags

berlin marathon blogger tips blogger tip tuesday blogging blog stats chicago marathon christmas Church cooking dc dinner eat exercise faith fitness food friday five friends gift guide giveaway goals half marathon healthy healthy-living holiday holidays marathon marathon training oiselle pure barre race races recipe recipes relationships richmond marathon run running sweat pink training travel wedding wedding planning wedding wednesday workouts

Categories

Copyright © 2023 · Modern Blogger Pro Theme By, Pretty Darn Cute Design