Stop Being Busy

Being busy does not mean you are being productive.  You could be wasting your time and talent focusing on “low return” tasks that rob you of your time without accomplishing anything meaningful.
 
 
How many times have you said “I am so busy,” but you found yourself not really accomplishing anything.
 
 
Take a step back from all of your “busyness” to discover and explore what your gifts are.
 
 
Know that you have limited strengths, and strive to excel where you are gifted.
 
 
Don’t allow your time to be taken up in areas where you’re weaker, because then you’re not at your best.
 
 
Don’t confuse activity with accomplishment.  Be busy with what you are good at and delegate the rest.
 
 
As you narrow your focus, you will broaden the opportunities to shine with your strengths.
 
 
Learn how to manage your actions and carefully choose how to spend your time.
 
 
Identify time-wasters and implement solutions to eliminate them.
 
 
Stop saying “I am so busy,” and start knowing you are so productive.
 
 
Lead From Within: Narrow your focus to increase your productivity.
 
 
Stop being busy and join us for heartfelt and courage conversation every Tuesday 8pm est at our #leadfromwithin tweetchat


Lolly Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans 14 countries, six languages and hundreds of companies. As founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her proprietary leadership program is engineered to be a catalyst for leaders who want to enhance performance and make a meaningful difference in their companies, their lives, and the world.

Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.

  1. Lisa Wilder

    02. Apr, 2011

    So true, Lolly, that busy doesn’t necessarily equate to productive.

    And what is it that drives so many to wear “busyness” like a badge of honor? What is that?!

    I can’t even tell you how often I ask someone how they are only to hear “Oh, I’m so busy!” or “Oh, I’m working ten hours a day/7 days a week!” And it’s said with such a sense of pride as though it were quite the accomplishment.

    I don’t know about them but I’d much rather be productive and work 20 hours a week than be “busy” working 70 hrs. a week. ; )

    Reply to this comment
  2. Lolly Daskal

    02. Apr, 2011

    Great comment Lisa,
    Being productive is what it is all about.
    Thanks for stopping by
    Lolly

    Reply to this comment
  3. Micah

    02. Apr, 2011

    Great post. I love the idea of simplicity and excellence – focused effort. Thanks, Lolly.

    Reply to this comment
    • Lolly Daskal

      02. Apr, 2011

      Thank you Micah, Life is about being simply profound. Don’t you think?
      Blessing
      Lolly

      Reply to this comment
  4. Lisa Drake

    03. Apr, 2011

    Great Post Lolly! I really enjoyed reading your insightful tips, as it sure makes you step back and reflect. Thanks.

    Reply to this comment
    • Lolly Daskal

      03. Apr, 2011

      Lisa,
      Thank you for stopping by. life is about reflection.
      Thanks for your thoughtful comment
      Blessings

      Reply to this comment
  5. Olivier (from France)

    03. Apr, 2011

    Hi,

    I agree completly with your post. I’m a sort of “always-busy man”, but Allen’s GTD methode is a great help to help me to focus on important task.

    Instead, it’s quite difficult to focus when your manager is a mcicro-manager (focus to everything, not to priority), asks your every minute a 10-minutes action.

    How do you manage your boss in this case to help you to focus on priority and your gifted skills ?

    Regards
    Olivier

    Reply to this comment
    • Lolly Daskal

      03. Apr, 2011

      Olivier
      That is a great question to keep asking yourself.
      “How do you manage your boss in this case to help you to focus on priority and your gifted skills ?”
      Not only does it keep you focused but it keeps you aligned with what needs to get done.
      It keeps out the noise and clutter that can easily distract you.
      Your comment was so insightful and enlightening. It added a deeper level to my post.
      Thank you
      Blessings.

      Reply to this comment
  6. Tristan Bishop

    03. Apr, 2011

    Excellent, Lolly! Such terrific advice. Thank you.

    Reply to this comment
    • Lolly Daskal

      03. Apr, 2011

      Tristan,
      You are one special person. Your words always touch my heart.
      Thanks for stopping by.
      I love seeing your avatar in our LFW community.
      Blessings.

      Reply to this comment
  7. Wayne McEvilly

    03. Apr, 2011

    Lolly-
    I am so glad I “discovered” you!
    Your message in this post reminds me Patanjali’s simple formula in his “Yoga Sutra” –
    eka (one) tattva (thatness) abhyasa (practice)
    Practice one thing. (What your here call your gift) –
    And we should all harken to your message:
    “Stop saying ‘I’m so busy'” and get on with getting one simple thing done, one after another.
    There is much to be said for simplicity.
    Thanks for saying it.
    Wayne

    Reply to this comment
    • Lolly Daskal

      03. Apr, 2011

      Dear Wayne, First of all we discovered each other and we appreciate each other giftedness.
      I love the simple yet excellent message in your comment. Get one simple thing done, and move on to the next.
      I agree that there is so much to simplicity.

      But within my post there is a deeper message, Do not be busy with everything – Find your gifts- do them well and let other shine within their gifts.

      We do not have to do it all< simple message. Profound results. Blessings to you my friend. Lolly

      Reply to this comment

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