You’re never too busy for people

Courtesy Shutterstock
I have found, as many before me, that with age comes added responsibility and a much larger to-do list. I’m arguably busier than I’ve ever been in my life with managing a marriage, a new baby, a company, and working on several other projects. Opportunity surrounds us, and I want to take it all in. I hope to learn, experience, and do as much as I can (or even can’t sometimes) throughout my life. I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people, learning new things, and finding other ways of applying the little that I know.
While pondering all of this on my way to Salt Lake City this morning and after catching myself saying “I’m so busy,” to those around me, I couldn’t help but think how this claim might sound to the receiver. Does that phrase add any value to the person listening? Does that make them feel important? If it doesn’t, then do away with it. When you sit down with someone, give them your full attention and let them know you value what they have to say and that you’re not too “busy” to meet and listen to them. I think I’ll be a better listener and giver by omitting this cliche from my vocabulary and large list of excuses.
Regardless if you’re busy or not, don’t let it be a justification or something you proclaim to those you come in contact with. If you’re too busy, say “no” more often, even to exciting opportunities. Delegate and be as honest as you can with your time and the engagements you’re involved in. Rarely, if ever, does being busy have to do with time, rather, it has everything to do with priorities. Make sure people are your number one priority.
Originally published Feb 14, 2006
9 Comments
Thanks Blake. This was an excellent post. I’ve always respected your opinion. The thought of adding value to those around me has really dominated my thinking as of late. I have come to the realization that I am in the business of maintaining relationships. In fact, life is all about relationships, all other things are obsolete. Thanks for the post! Keep’m coming! Nacho for presidente!
This is a good post, Blake. It took me about 18 years to realize that next to God, my friends and fellow humans are the most important things on earth! That’s when I stopped completely focusing on schoolwork. Maybe I went a little overboard, but I have learned to really value everyone around me.
Anyway, good post.
Blake… Did Brooks read this? GREAT ADVICE!!!
Thanks for your thoughts on this Blakey. This really “hit home” with me.
I have always been a “busy” person because I just can’t sit still. I know I offend people when I say, “I’m just to busy to do that.” On my quest for balance in life, I have found that time management plays a huge role when tring to balance the things that are most important without negelecting other areas of my life. I find that when I schedule things in advance, I will not over book my day.(sometimes)
I hope that one day, I can attain this balance. Until then I’ll just have to take it one day at a time.
Blake–you proved this to be true on Friday when I called you trying to setup an interview, ahem, “right now”. You immediately agreed, without even thinking about it.
Even though he got lost in American Fork, and you were in the meeting you told me you’d be in, you met with my candidate and made him feel exceptionally welcome.
Thanks for sharing the love.
Blake–you have an ethic about business that will serve you well. Business is, in fact, a way of helping people do things. Your piece here reminds us that if you want something done give it to a busy person.
Right on! This is great advice for busy people.
Amen!!!