“I’m too busy’ is another way of saying, ‘It’s not a priority.”
Most of the time as I work with clients, I’m trying to help them deal with serious problems. Some have an issue with alcohol, gambling, or drugs. Or couples struggle within their relationships as the person they love the most seems to be their primary source of frustration or angst. But there are other, more subtle, issues that bring them into this space. Words like “stress” or “anxiety” are expressed. There do not appear to be real problems, just feelings of pressure, unhappiness, and frustration.
So, what’s the story? If there aren’t real problems going on, why the negative emotion? The answer is perhaps found in the title of today’s article. What does it mean? Those of us who are able to live meaningful and productive lives still are faced with challenges. It may involve time management, setting priorities, or a more introspective look at one’s goals. While goalless people may deal with boredom or self-absorption, busy folk struggle the reality that every activity, however harmless and fun as it may be, is detracting from our real source of happiness and satisfaction. Is the effort (squeeze) worth the benefit (the juice)?
As we have written in earlier newsletters, my work as a counselor sometime shifts from assisting clients with their problems to assisting them in their pursuit of happiness. Chasing pleasure is, ultimately, an empty exercise. It may be harmless, but also feels shallow. Fishing, golf, and the like are pleasant and harmless, but isn’t there something else more rewarding than “catch and release” or sinking a ten-foot putt? The answer may be found in finding a balance that meshes our time investments with our personal value system.
Homework:
1. Who and what are the most important people and values in my life?
2. Does my allocation of time support the values and priorities just expressed in #1?
If not, what changes am I going to make?
Get tough with yourself on this exercise. You deserve it.
The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. Covey