Mareus News Blog

Are you a Busy Bee? Maybe you need some “Think Time”

September 5th, 2014

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“Busy Bee” photo by Suzanne Kenny

I recently attended a workshop for managers of high potential small to medium sized businesses.

A common problem that came up for these owner managers was they were so busy working “in the business” (handling the day to day issues and challenges of their organisation) that they didn’t have time to work “on the business” (developing a structure and strategy for growth and further development).  This workshop was an opportunity for them to take that time out from the day to day, to revisit their passion, their original ambition, and to work towards building a meaningful action plan for themselves and their organisations.  For this workshop they broke the routine, they ducked out of the day to day for some precious “Think Time” with great results.

Whether you are a school leaver embarking on your first job, a stay at home parent with a “to do” list as long as your arm, a busy executive thinking of your next promotion, or an ambitious new entrepreneur, there are plenty of things to keep you distracted from your real passions and goals.  In a world that gets faster and faster, and a society where information and distractions are available every second of the day, words like “burn-out”, “meltdown” and “crisis-mode” frequently turn up in day to day conversations.

We can be so busy working in our jobs, working in our projects, or getting that “to do” list ticked off that we can miss those moments, opportunities and activities that bring real meaning to life.  We can miss out on life altogether.

It might be time to take a break from the day to day and book in some “Think Time” for yourself if you find yourself saying any of the following:

• I have a lot to get done, I don’t have time to be thinking about what path my life is taking.
• I will get back to working towards my real passion when… (the kids are grown up/when I have some more money saved/when the time is right)
• I’m good at what I do, even if I don’t enjoy it… better the devil I know
• I’ll get some more training first…  and then maybe some more training then I’ll  think about it, if I have time…
• It’s not the right time at the moment.
• It’s selfish to put myself ahead of…
• My parents/spouse/kids need me to be there for them…

Sometimes being busy is a habit, other times being busy is a way to stay in your comfort zone and avoid taking risks. Whatever the reason, being busy can bring you all the way to your ultimate destination without you ever really seeing the beauty, oportunity and real potential of your life.

If you think you might be a bit too much of a busy bee… what next?

Get the notebook out, chat to a trusted friend, book a life coach, go for a walk in the park and sit under a big leafy tree.  Whatever works best for you. Find some “Think Time” in the weeks ahead to relax, refocus and realign your life.  Set some positive, practical and powerful goals.  You’ll be glad you did.

All the best from Park West,

Grace 🙂

“Life moves pretty fast.  If you don’t stop and look around for  while, you could miss it” – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off