| Greetings! |
Those who've known me a long time have likely heard me say I'd rather be busy than bored. And I typically get my wish, with a long-to-do list and a stack of 3 a.m. "a-ha" notes on my nightstand that I can't decipher once the alarm beeps at 7.
But a client asked a question that got me thinking--how busy is too busy? That question, along with a quick peek at my own to-do list, motivated me to take a deeper look into breaking the "busy" bias.
Most of the things keeping me busy are inspired by you, including your kind words about my writing, your requests for professional coaching support, and your invitations to speak at your events. Your suggestions and referrals help me reach more people and make a bigger contribution to others, so I thank you and encourage you to keep those ideas coming! Just email me!
I look forward to hearing more about what's keeping you busy! Thanks for reading, and thanks for being part of the Coach Darcy Community! |
| Breaking the "Busy" Bias |
Don't misunderstand--I am a fan of being busy! There's nothing  better than doing work you love . . . work that makes a contribution and creates results . . . and work that feeds your brain, heart, and soul.
If you're busy with that, congratulations! You're unique (and tell us how you do it!) For many of us, though, "busy" is a frenetic, slightly-to-wildly out-of-control feeling that we hope is beneficial at some level--but realize can be damaging at the next.
If, when asked to describe you, the first word others use is "busy," maybe it's time to ask yourself these questions:
What reward is "busy" giving me?
Being busy can bring you great gifts. It can increase others'
perception of your value ("She's always so busy--she must be important"). It can accelerate your learning and growth ("I just have to dive in and tackle this stinker and then I'll know it cold next time.") Or, it can even keep you away from the Rocky Road because you don't have time to eat (at least, I hear that happens).
It's powerful to know how "busy" is rewarding you. If you're not sure, stop and ask yourself the question above again. (It doesn't take long--hey, I know you're busy!) Pay attention to the first answers that pop up in your gut.
Does your answer make you feel great? Are the rewards of value to you? If so, keep doing what you're doing. If the answers are cloudy or make you go "hmmm," then read on . . .
What is "busy" costing me?
When you asked yourself how "busy" was rewarding you, did your answers sound more like punishments instead? For example, my clients have said busy gives them:
- Sleepless nights, which makes me a grouch.
- Too many projects to juggle so I don't feel accomplished in anything.
- The twitches-- I physically flinch everytime I hear the buzz of my Blackberry.
- Guilt--I feel guilty having fun since I think I should be busy.
Yuck. If those things sound like you, it's time to break your "busy" bias, and it starts with taking three bold actions.
1. Practice your priorities.
2. Click less.
3. Brave boredom.
Bold Action #1: Practice your priorities.
In my work with aspiring leaders, we create strategies that create success not only for their organizations but also for themselves. Finding that sweet spot demands you understand your own priorities based on your values, strengths, needs and goals. Your company's priorities are often obvious (i.e., make more money, generate more customers)-- your personal priorities are often not.
What's most important to you--not your company, customer, or even family or community? If you're not sure, maybe it's time to make a list. Also, a great coach or mentor can help you get clear on your priorities and work with you to create action plans that connect directly with them.
Another way to assess your priorities is to ask yourself, "If a family member or close friend got seriously ill tomorrow and I needed to be with them, what would I stop doing?" This happened to me five years ago when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. I suddenly left my lengthy to-do lists behind in exchange for doctors, tests, and surgery. Many months later, with a misdiagnosis behind me and a clear bill of health, I revisited my list and discovered two surprises. First, the things that were important got done by someone else. Second, frighteningly enough, half of the list didn't get done--and no one noticed.
With your priorities front-of-mind, it's easier to decide what to say "yes" to, and more importantly, what to say "no" to.
Bold Action #2: Click less.
How much of your busy-ness revolves around managing email and other electronic communication? For me, I have three email accounts; a blog; LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter accounts; plus occasional use of instant messaging, Skype, and texting (although my sister keeps increasing my texting requirements.)
Enough! In my work with aspiring leaders, over-clicking is a top contributor to busy-ness without being a clear contributor to busi-ness.
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| What's New with Darcy? |
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The spring sunshine seems to bring great new opportunities, and I am fortunate to be invited to work with wonderful people on their projects and events! If I can help you with yours, just let me know! Here's what's happening lately:
It was fun to be interviewed by my friend Susan Brown for her radio  show, Awaken the Leader Within on the Womens' Information Network (WIN). Listen to us discuss Creating Confidence here.
My article, "Finding Innovation Inspiration" was featured by website SelfGrowth.com. Feel free to read it, rate it and make a comment!
As president-elect of the Georgia Coach Association, I'm gearing up for May 5th's  Southeast Prism Award & Conference. The event celebrates organizational excellence through coaching and is a great learning event for anyone interested in creating better business results through people. Find out more here.
On May 6, I'll be speaking at the Public Relations Society of America of Georgia (PRSA GA) annual conference in Atlanta. I look  forward to sharing "Communicating Your Value While You're Communicating Everything Else" there!! Finally, did you know I am wriitng a book? Tentatively titled " Expecting to Lead," the book tackles the surprises that happen when we're making the leap to leadership, and includes simple, practical actions to become the leader we want to be! Watch this newsletter for more details in the months ahead! You'll hear about it here first! |
Are You Ready to Accelerate, Motivate & Master?
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Spring is here, after a tough winter for many. It's a good time to think about where you might need to "spring forward" with your career, business, or life. It's a great time to try my Accelerate, Motivate & Master program.
This personalized, intensive, action-focused program will get you unstuck and moving toward your goals--fast! You gain clarity about your future direction, confidence you will get there, and control over the path you'll take.
To find out more and register, visit my website today or call 404.313.0278. Invest in yourself now to reap the benefits all year long. I can't wait to see you accelerate your results in 2010! |
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