Blog

Why we should retire the word “Busy”

by Makenna, Posted in: Being Human, Business, Integrity

Every so often, I’ll receive an email from a potential client or a current client that says “I know you are so busy, but…”

And you know what?  It drives me absolutely BONKERS.

Here’s the thing.  I LOVE getting emails, I just HATE when they start with “sorry I know you’re busy”.  This does three things quickly:  creates distance between you and I, assumes something you have limited knowledge of, and finally is an empty apology.  And like most entrepreneurs I do tend to be ‘busy’, operative definition being ‘I have a lot to do on a daily basis’.

But, the truth is?

You have no idea if I am busy or not.

 

Let’s assume you think you know I am busy:  Sure you might see my schedule when you book a session.  But what you might not know is that I often block off 4 hour periods of time to write, do yoga, spend time with my family, and go to the gym.

Maybe you assume I am busy because I ignored an email from you.  The truth?  I very well may have ignored your email, it may have been eaten by the internet, it may have slipped through the cracks, my Virtual Assistant may have misfiled it (so in essence it was eaten by the internet), or I may have had a family crisis that needed to be attended to.

And the best part?  Is that even though you assume I am busy…. you are clearly still interested in my time so you don’t actually care that I am busy now do ya?  You still want my attention.  If you’re my client, then you deserve it!  Hell ya paid me for it after all, so you sure as heck don’t need to apologize!  (I’ve thankfully trained my clients out of this.  😉 )

If you’re not my client, you still want my time because you’re interested in a) working with me,  b) interested in info, c) wanted to connect.  Therefore apologizing is really more like a “sorry, not sorry”.

So why are my knickers all twisted in a bunch about this?

Because ‘busy’ is bullshit. (especially for entrepreneurs)

(click to tweet!)

 

So my plea here is to retire the use of the word busy from the entrepreneurs lexicon, apologizing for it, or apologizing for bugging a so-called ‘busy’ person.  I’ve included some suggested alternatives to give a try and some rationale behind my relatively excitable diatribe.

 

3 reasons why (as entrepreneurs) the word ‘Busy’ Should Go Away

 

1.  Busy is often used as a placeholder

How many times has this conversation occurred…

“How’ve you been Sally?”

“Oh so so busy!  Busy busy busy! You Wayne?”

“Oh the same.  You know, busy busy!”

In this exchange ‘busy’ is the great empty placeholder.  It creates distance between you and your people.  Rather than saying what has actually been going on:  life, business, work, personal.  Busy has become the universal ” I have so much to do” placeholder so you don’t actually have to talk about your life.  And it signals to the other party “don’t ask, I’m too busy for that”.

What to say instead:  Man my days sure are/have been full!

Why?  It leaves space for the other person to ask you ‘full with what!?”  It is an invitation rather than a red flag.

Also, saying “I can’t meet because my calendar is full” is honest, and it feels good to hear that isn’t because you aren’t making time for someone, it is because you can’t right now.

 

2.  “I’m too busy” is a GREAT excuse, but never the reason I say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to someone

Let’s get real.  If I say no to an interview or to a client, it isn’t because I’m too busy.  Even if I AM indeed living ‘full days’, if a good opportunity comes my way I will jump on it faster than you can say “double rainbow”.  If an opportunity feels ‘eh’ to me, then I’ll say no.

What to say instead:  “I’m sorry this opportunity isn’t in line with what I’m up to these days, but thank you so much for thinking of me.”

Why?  Because it is honest.  Someone’s feelings might be hurt, but the reality is rejection in any capacity is frustrating.  You might as well give an honest read of the ‘why’ you aren’t going to say yes to an opportunity, then at least there is some measure of feedback exchanged and the other person doesn’t feel like you’ve just kicked them aside because you’re too ‘busy’.

 

3.  Busy is a choice.  You can choose a different state of being.

As entrepreneurs, we rule our schedules, and we choose how much time we spend each day doing tasks. If we have a ton of commitments, it is because we said yes to them (or we are raising children 😉 ).  If we don’t, it is either because we haven’t hustled enough or we said ‘no’ to a ton of opportunities.

What to do instead:  Say ‘no’ lots or create a schedule that isn’t as full. If something doesn’t resonate, don’t say yes just because.

Why?  Because all opportunities aren’t created equal.  And sometimes spending time with our kids/families/friends trumps blog interviews.

 

Real talk:  Sometimes we truly are ‘busy’.  Our lives get sucked up into familial commitments, raising kiddos, soccer games, dinner parties, paperwork, housework, homework, and more.  And in that case?  To hell with it.  Say you’re busy, because sometimes it’s just the truth.  Let’s just be mindful about using it mmmmkay?

 

Now it is your turn. 

When have you used the word busy and not really meant it?  How can you reexamine the word and experience of busy-ness in your work and life?

241 thoughts on “Why we should retire the word “Busy””

  1. This is great!! You’re so right… I use "busy" all the time. And it’s usually either to not have to talk about my life or to excuse myself from an activity I don’t really want to do. It might be rude, but I should put on my big girl pants and just tell the person that I don’t want to do X.

  2. Oh man, I’m going to have to adjust my blog post for today so it doesn’t look like I’m following directly on your coattails! I swear that "Work/Life Balance Post" has been on my editorial calendar for a month! Shucks, I’ll just have to give you a shoutout.

    But seriously, I immediately go on the defensive when I hear someone say "Oh I’ve been so busy!" What I hear is "You’re not as busy as I am," and then I have to reply with "Oh yeah, well I’ve been busy too!" Then it’s a competition over who has been more busy. Even though no one actually knows what that means to the other person. Gahhh!

    1. Precisely. I used to find myself getting into arguments about being busy all the time. Oof.

  3. Everything is very open with a clear explanation of the challenges.
    It was definitely informative. Your website is very useful.
    Thanks for sharing!

  12. Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I
    was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?

    Thanks a lot! asmr 0mniartist

  15. Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser
    compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Safari,
    it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
    asmr 0mniartist

  16. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful
    if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers! asmr 0mniartist

  18. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it,
    you will be a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back in the foreseeable future.
    I want to encourage you continue your great job, have a nice
    evening! asmr 0mniartist

  21. Hi there mates, how is the whole thing, and what you wish for to say regarding this piece
    of writing, in my view its really amazing for me. 0mniartist asmr

  35. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really
    informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
    Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  37. What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found
    It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I’m
    hoping to give a contribution & aid other customers like
    its helped me. Great job.

  38. I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your content.

    This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark
    your site and keep checking for new information about once per week.
    I opted in for your RSS feed as well.

  43. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really recognize
    what you are speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally talk over with my web site =).
    We may have a link alternate arrangement between us

  44. Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in internet explorer,
    may check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a big element of people
    will miss your magnificent writing due to this problem.

  45. Thanks in favor of sharing such a good idea, piece of writing is pleasant, thats why i have
    read it fully

  46. Don’t be left without knowing the latest news and happenings around SkyCity Casino Online. Being a winner of the best New Zealand casino accolade, SkyCity Casino online is monitored by us very closely, and below are a collection of our most recent informational posts and updates about SkyCity Casino. Enzo Casino Sevens High Also, they learn from these mistakes and better themselves through the experience that is gained. What’s more, casino sites no deposit bonus vilket innebär att du dubblar din insats varje gång du förlorar. I understand you need to create money, such as Visa. Cumulative hospitalizations of Florida residents rose by 199, Mastercard. This is a great innovative idea, Neteller. Fresh fruit juices and smoothies can be found at the pool bar, Paysafecard. Enzo Casino Sevens High http://gildiasmok.pl/forum/user-54679.html Debit cards are among the most frequently used payment options on casinos online and are very reliable. Some players seek out no deposit casino bonuses for 1 reason only, and that is to try the casino before they deposit their own money. Another top online casino in Finland is Lucky Days. Although a relatively new casino, came into Finland in 2019, spring season, the casino is recognized as one of the best for Finns. You can play the game on any device (desktop, mobile, or tablet) using a web browser. They were developed to provide online players with a better user experience and give our partners the flexibility to place them into virtual or casino categories. The possibility of putting them in both categories: virtual games and casino games is something which our partners highly praised.

  47. Thanks for sharing such a nice idea, piece of writing is pleasant,
    thats why i have read it entirely

  48. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
    However, how could we communicate?

  49. Hello Dear, are you in fact visiting this website daily, if so then you will absolutely get pleasant
    know-how.

  61. scoliosis
    If some one desires to be updated with most up-to-date
    technologies afterward he must be pay a visit this web site and be up to date all the time.
    scoliosis

  62. scoliosis
    If some one desires to be updated with most up-to-date technologies after that
    he must be visit this website and be up to date everyday.
    scoliosis

  66. scoliosis
    You can definitely see your expertise within the article you write.
    The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as
    you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the
    time follow your heart. scoliosis

  68. dating sites
    Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of
    your site is excellent, as well as the content! dating sites https://785days.tumblr.com/

  69. free dating sites
    I do not know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else
    encountering issues with your blog. It looks like some of the text on your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too?
    This may be a problem with my internet browser because
    I’ve had this happen before. Thank you dating sites

  72. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog.
    You have some really good posts and I think I would be a
    good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love
    to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Regards!

  73. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?

  77. Excellent blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Many thanks!

  80. I am extremely inspired along with your writing talents and also with the format to your blog.
    Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it yourself?
    Either way stay up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a great blog like this one nowadays..

  81. The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole
    my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a
    30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad
    is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but
    I had to share it with someone!

  86. It’s awesome in support of me to have a site, which is good designed for my know-how.
    thanks admin

  87. It’s wonderful that you are getting ideas from this piece of writing as
    well as from our discussion made at this place.

  88. I like the helpful info you provide in your
    articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
    I am quite certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  89. Thanks for any other informative web site.

    Where else may just I am getting that type of information written in such a perfect manner?
    I have a mission that I am just now working on, and
    I’ve been at the glance out for such info.

  91. My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type
    on a number of websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform.
    I have heard great things about blogengine.net.

    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into
    it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

  92. If some one wishes to be updated with newest technologies therefore he
    must be pay a visit this site and be up to date all the time.

  94. Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet
    Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, terrific blog!

  95. I¦ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i¦m happy to exhibit that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I so much no doubt will make sure to don¦t put out of your mind this website and give it a look regularly.

  97. PaySafeCards are completely anonymous as they are pre-paid and the funds are moved by applying a single 16-digit code. eChecks have to provide the receiver with your banking information. However, they are strictly verified and have no transaction fees. Casino Games Bitcoin eChecks have to provide the receiver with your banking information. However, they are strictly verified and have no transaction fees. First of all, you need to understand the fact that you’re no longer anonymous when you deposit with a credit card. Sites like Bitstarz have allowed players to deposit with this payment method, because some customers don’t understand quite well the concept of Bitcoins. However, it’s not a bad thing because players have some other options at the moment of betting. The main reason for all of this is the fact that some people don’t want to learn about new technologies. For some of them, Bitcoins are a little too difficult to understand. http://tolbis.com/community/profile/hellenblesing26/ I’m tired of saying, “Be careful, it’s speculative.” Then, “Be careful, it’s gambling.” Then, “Be careful, it’s a bubble.” Okay, I’ll say it: Bitcoin is a scam. Galvanized coating thickness measurementDec 22, 2020 В· The Bitcoin Strip is the number one most trusted Bitcoin casino review site. Our goal is to inform and protect the Bitcoin gambling community with 100% honest reviews, rankings, scam alerts, statistics and information. Tikz foreach arithmetic FortuneJack is one of the oldest in the business, and in this industry, that counts for a lot. The site was founded in 2014 and is regulated by the government of Curacao. Like many bitcoin casino sites this old, its games are provably fair, and there’s a wide assortment of them (over 500) to choose from. For gamblers who like short odds, this here is one of the safest bet.

  102. We stumbled over here from a different website and thought I should check things out.
    I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to checking out your web page for a second time.

  125. Сперма – это смесь, выделяемая при эякуляции (оргазме) во время полового акта или мастурбации. Она является продуктом внутренних половых органов: яичек и их придатков, предстательной железы, уретры и семенных пузырьков. Она состоит из семенной плазмы и сперматозоидов. А.П.: В России женщины живут дольше, поэтому они болеют больше. Но заболеваемость выше у мужчин, если пересчитать показатели на возраст. В каждой возрастной группе получается, что мужчины болеют чаще. Собирается моча за сутки. Первая утренняя порция мочи удаляется. Все последующие порции мочи, выделенные в течение дня, ночи и утренняя порция следующего дня собираются в одну емкость, которая хранится в холодильнике (+4 — +8) в течение всего времени сбора (это необходимое условие, так как при комнатной температуре существенно снижается содержание глюкозы). Необходимым условием развития недостаточности является превышение потребления тканями железа над его поступлением. Железодефицит провоцируют следующие состояния (перечислены по степени распространенности): Особое внимание отводится продуктам, богатым селеном (Se) и цинком (Zn), которые благоприятно воздействуют на опухоль, уменьшая ее размеры. Во время болезни мужчина должен получать на протяжении суток 25 мг цинка, и не менее 5 мкг селена. http://www.mousecentral.com/community/profile/gabriellejoseph/ На более поздних стадиях апатия накатывает все чаще. Тремор усиливается, человек то и дело застывает и не может пошевелиться, а когда стоит или идет, часто падает. Говорить, глотать, спать становится труднее. Мучают панические атаки, галлюцинации или и то и другое. Ум притупляется. У большинства из тех, кто болеет дольше 20 лет, развивается деменция. ANT KING – единственное работающее средство на рынке для увеличения члена. Этот комплекс, который не вызывает никаких побочных эффектов, не вызывает аллергических реакций. Специальные ферменты, входящие в состав, благотворно влияют на ткани пениса, которые безвредно растягиваются, а с ними и камеры кавернозного тела полового члена, что и способствует реальному увеличению как и в длине так и в обхвате. Вряд ли мужчины откровенно разговаривают между собой о своем здоровье. Да-да, о том самом — мужском. Разве только в медицинских кабинетах, когда заявит о себе какая-нибудь интимная болячка. Между тем, по оценке уролога РГБ Ивана Патракова, все чаще мужчины обращаются к нему за помощью. Что именно беспокоит сильный пол, он рассказал «Городским вестям».

  127. Thanks for every other excellent article. Where else could
    anyone get that type of info in such an ideal method of writing?

    I have a presentation next week, and I am at the search for such info.

  130. Pingback: free dating sites free messaging

  136. Every weekend i used to pay a visit this website, for the reason that i wish for enjoyment, since this this website conations genuinely nice funny material too.

  137. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested. Thanks!|

  139. I pay a quick visit every day some web pages and sites to read articles or reviews, but this web site presents quality based posts.

  140. As I website possessor I believe the content material here is rattling wonderful , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.

  141. Ahaa, its pleasant discussion regarding this piece of writing here at this website, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting at this place.

  143. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back someday. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great job, have a nice evening!

  144. What’s up colleagues, good article and pleasant urging commented at this place, I am truly enjoying by these.

  147. It’s the best time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I could I wish to recommend you some fascinating issues or tips. Maybe you could write subsequent articles relating to this article.

  148. I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should also go to see this webpage on regular basis to take updated from latest reports.

  149. Howdy! I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great information you have got here on this post.
    I will be coming back to your website for more soon.

  151. I know this web site offers quality based articles and additional material, is there any other web page which offers such things in quality?

  152. Buck and Butler Casino 50 free spins olybet casino bonuscoodi for Starburst, Go Bananas Slots. Bonuses from OlyBet online casino for slots, (e) sports betting, games and poker. Tietosuojakaytannon pikkuprinttia ei viela oltu olybet kirjoittamishetkella kaannetty suomeksi, mutta muuten OlyBet casino on selkean kokemuksia ja kokemus silta olybet hyva. Olympic Casino in RadissonBlu Hotel Olympia. Viron lisenssin, eli Estonian Tax and Customs Board -nimisen hallituksen myontaman lisenssin alla toimivat nettikasinot ovat harvinaisempia, mutta niitakin riittaa jonkin verran. Virolaiset nettikasinot ja vedonlyontisivustot ovat itse asiassa todella arvostettuja mahdollisista suomalaisten ennakkoluuloista huolimatta. https://shipitshoutit.com/community/profile/hueygambrel1233/ Casino-X on online-pelialusta, jota voi kayttaa seka web- etta mobiilikayttajille. Se, etta kyseessa on pikapeli-kasino, varmistaa, etta pelaajat alkavat mahdollisimman nopeasti; ohjelmistoja ei tarvita. Kasino ei ole kovin ahne, vaan se on yksi parhaista kayttoliittymista. 9815 Watson Plz Suite 403St. Louis, MO 63126Phone: (314) 965-2042 Pelaa Ilmaisia Online Lähtöpaikkoja Ilman Lataamista – Netticasino 100 tilaisuutta voittaa Casino Kampanjat & TarjouksetCasino-X tarjoaa paljon erilaisia promokoodeja, joiden avulla voit vastaanottaa ilmaisia kierroksia tai bonuksia. Tassa vaiheessa kasino ei tarjoa talletusbonusta, mutta silti on olemassa monia erilaisia ilmaisia ilmaisia pelaajia, joita voit hyodyntaa.

  159. I needed to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it.
    I have got you bookmarked to check out new
    things you post…

  164. Why viewers still use to read news papers when in this
    technological globe the whole thing is existing on web?

  166. ucuz takipçi satın al işlemi yapmak istiyorsanız hemen sitemizi ziyaret ederek en güvenilir ödeme yöntemleri ile ucuz takipçi alabilirsiniz.

  168. Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to understand a
    lot about this, like you wrote the e book in it or something.

    I think that you just could do with some % to pressure the message home
    a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic
    read. I’ll definitely be back.

  170. Seven Sirens was originally released as an iOS game. However, the visuals were designed for 4K devices, and the game will be ported to consoles sometime this year. Like other Shantae games, this one is a platformer/Metroidvania hybrid, and it adds all new characters, dungeons, and transformation abilities to keep things fresh. https://grannyflatchat.com.au/community/profile/grettalangley62/ What are the most popular Two-Player Games? With the Atari Flashback, two players can easily play games, but there are some games that are only one player. Most of the Atari 2600 is not difficult to figure out; which is one of the best things about the Flashback system.  What two-player flash games do you enjoy playing (if you play them at all)?

  173. youtube abone satın servilerimiz ile fenomen olma yoludna emin adımlar ile uçuşa geçebilirsiniz.

  174. youtube abone satın servilerimiz ile fenomen olma yoludna emin adımlar ile uçuşa geçebilirsiniz.

  177. Hello, Neat post. There is a problem along with your website in web explorer, would test this?
    IE still is the marketplace chief and a large part of people
    will omit your excellent writing because of this problem.

  180. görev yaparak para kazanmak isteyenler hemen sitemizi ziyaret ederek para kazanmaya başlayabilirler.

  181. I all the time used to study piece of writing in news papers but now as
    I am a user of net so from now I am using net for articles
    or reviews, thanks to web.

  183. Ahaa, its good conversation on the topic of this article at this place at
    this website, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.

  192. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
    I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information.
    Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

  203. instagram takipçi satın al işlemlerinizi sitemiz üzerinden en uygun fiyatlar ile yapabilirsiniz.

  206. instagram takipçi satın al hizmetlerimizi kullanarak milyonlarca insan arasında kolay şekilde fark edilebilirsiniz üstelik en güvenilir yöntemler ile.

  207. takipçi satın al hizmetlerimiz ile kalitei bir şkeilde takipçi alarak arkadaşlarınızın arasında yükselebilirsiniz.

  209. instagram takipçi satın işlemleri ile sosyal medyada sizlerde kendinizi bir adım ön sıraya çıkarabilirisniz.

  222. takipçi satın al işlemlerinizi sitemiz üzerinden güvenilir şekilde hemen ziyaret ederek yapabilirsiniz.

  230. takipçi satın al işlemlerinizi sitemiz üzerinden güvenilir şekilde hemen ziyaret ederek yapabilirsiniz.

Comments are closed.

Applause, Impact, and What They Say ::

  • “Hire Makenna to speak at your event, if you want your audience to have prompts to look deeper into themselves and the ways of operating that are not serving themselves or the greater good + someone who is honest and real.”

    — Allison Braun, The Business Joyologist

  • “Makenna knows how to orchestrate an event. This was a mother effin symphony. Every detail, every moment, every speaker, (did I mention the massages during check-in?!), filled with intention. I felt so taken care of. This is a mandatory event for my business. I will attend as long as she’s keen on hosting them!”

    — Lindsay Padilla, Academics Mean Business