Being too busy has been a big trend in my work this week.  And not me being too busy but rather those people I work with.  It is most definitely one of the biggest topics of coaching conversations – how people can be less busy so that they can do all that they want. Being “busy” these days is like a badge of honour, the ultimate professional brand that makes us look good. It’s not a badge I want though.

I’m increasingly finding it an annoying when people say to me “are you busy?” or ” I know you’re really busy” or worst still “sorry, I’m too busy”. What is it about being frantic that is so appealing.  I’m all for being in the slow lane.  For taking things at a pace that makes things more fulfilling.  For being less busy and having more fun.

This may be a revelation to those people who know me best.  So just to give them peace of mind, I’m not saying I’m doing less, I’m just doing more of what I really want.

I’m starting to tell people that it’s not that I’m too busy to do something but rather there is something else that I want to do instead.  It’s raised a few eyebrows and caused a few silences and I admit to feeling a little weird in the moment but I feel more honest about what I’m being busy doing.

So instead of telling someone I met in the car park this week I was too busy to have coffee before I started work I said I wanted to take some photographs instead.  I know that they thought I was being strange at the time but talking to them since it’s clear that they were not offended but rather I found out for the first time that they are interested in photography too!

I love this view of Mount Victoria in Wellington.  The way the houses ramble across the hillside to meet St Gerard’s Monastery as a focal point.  Although this was really a snap, I’m minded to go back when the weather is better and take more photographs of Mount Victoria.  That is of course being I’m being less busy!