You're busy. You've got a lot to do and you're trying to get it done. You're running at full speed. You tell people you're busy a lot – and you'd tell them more, but you're so busy you can only tell them so much.
So, you're running towards something. But have you asked yourself if you're running to the future – or just running away?
Motion, action, activity can be a rush. We love the thrill of getting something done, of achieving, of sheer activity. Unfortunately that rush can also be a drug and a distraction from our lives and our problems.
So, are you running towards the future or using all your action and activity to run away from your problems? Ask yourself these questions:
Can you point to each time-consuming activity and explain how it benefits you now or in the future? If you can't, then why are you doing it? (relaxation is an acceptable answer).
Can you point to each time-consuming activity and explain why you're doing it and where it fits into your plan for your life? If you can't, then why are you doing it?
Can you say that, in the last week, you've done something to benefit your life and career – and feel that it's enough? In the last month? The last year? If not, just what are you doing?
Do you have any upcoming crises, big life changes, or other transitions you have to face or want to make happen? Are you ready for them? If not, just what are you doing with your time?
Sometimes we're moving fast – but it's just a distraction. Make your time count, and ask yourself what you're doing with your life.
This is especially challenging for geeky and creative people because our hobbies, interests, and creativity are easily and understandably conflated. That makes it all the more important tomake sure we're doing what's truly important and what matters to us. We don't want to waste our time, and we sadly have far more inventive ways to do it.
– Steven Savage