Lately, New York Times “The Busy Trap” article has received quite a bit of feedback. Some love it. Others think it is ridiculous.  Who knew busy could be so controversial.

Here’s what I think…

Busy is in the eye of the beholder (or “busyholder”).  

One person’s busy is another person’s solitude.  By definition, “busy” means “to be occupied”, but how occupied is really “busy” is a matter of subjectivity.  For instance, my grandmother’s “busy” is needing to mail some letters & rake the front lawn.  To me, that’s a pretty chill day.

Busy can be considered negative or positive.

I thrive on being “busy”.  I find I am actually more productive when I have more to do.  Considering Parkinson’s Law, this makes sense.  Less to do means more time to spend doing just that, which is a less effective use of time that getting it done quicker.

Busy is created.

People create their own busyness.  Since busy is in the eye of the beholder, people either consider themselves busy or they don’t.  Some of the most “busy” people I know don’t really consider themselves to be “busy”. On the other hand, people I consider to not be as “busy” are more typically commenting about their busyness. We create busyness in our minds & we create busyness by the decisions we make.  You decide whether you want to take on more responsibility or not.

As for me, am I busy?  Judging by the fact that I’m looking to try new things & new ventures I’d say I have room to create more busyness.  Of course, you may feel otherwise about my busyness.  It’s my bus-i-ness though so you don’t have to worry =)

Venture on,

mel the Venture Gal