Avoid the Busy Trap

One of my guiding principles in life is to take care. It serves as a constant reminder to actively tend to the facets of life within my sphere of responsibility – nurturing my work, fostering connections with family and friends, and diligently tackling essential tasks.

This mantra propels me towards an engaged, proactive approach to life. There's no room for excuses like being too busy or lacking the motivation to act. It keeps me focused and committed to facing challenges head-on, defying the inclination to avoid difficult tasks.

Recently, I revisited a financial classic, Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad, a book that shaped my perspective 15-20 years ago. Despite the criticisms aimed at Kiyosaki, his overarching message about wealth creation remains a compelling take on money worth revisiting.

One passage resonated profoundly with me: “Today, I often meet people who are too busy to take care of their wealth. And there are people too busy to take care of their health. The cause is the same. They’re busy, and they stay busy as a way of avoiding something they do not want to face. Nobody has to tell them. Deep down they know. In fact, if you remind them, they often respond with anger or irritation.”

This avoidance is a common theme, not just in personal finance but also in the workplace. Managers often grapple with subordinates claiming busyness to evade undesirable tasks. A common frustration among managers is the perception of laziness rather than an actual workload issue.

I encountered a unique approach from a manager who effectively motivated her team. She promised them an early start to the weekend once a dreaded task was completed. It worked like a charm, highlighting the power of strategic incentives.

This tactic is not limited to influencing others. I've successfully employed it on myself. When confronted with a lingering chore that hampers my plans, I create a scenario where I can only indulge once the task is accomplished. It's about breaking the inertia and realizing that often, the most challenging part is simply starting.

Much like the inertia of exercise, the motivation often kicks in after we commence. The key is structuring our approach to activities, so we act instead of procrastinating. Discipline and willpower play crucial roles, but the rewards are immense.

I often recommend a technique that I refer to as setting the minimum. Establish a small, manageable threshold that demands minimal effort or willpower, consistently adhering to it until it becomes second nature. Over time, what once seemed daunting becomes automatic, accomplished with ease.

By actively addressing tasks instead of deferring them, we cultivate a habit of proactive living. Life transforms from a constant state of busyness and avoidance to a rhythm of accomplishment. Shifting from passive to proactive, you'll find yourself effortlessly navigating life's challenges, making the once overwhelming seem like second nature.