A Conversation About Being Busy Is Barely a Conversation at All

“No one ever wants to hear how stressed out anyone else is, because most of the time everyone is stressed out. No one is going to say, ‘Wow, you really have it especially bad. I have heard some stories of stress, but this just takes the cake.’” – Nobody Wants to Hear How Busy You Are

Saying, “Busy!” has become the automatic non-answer when somebody asks, “How are you?” It immediately shuts down an interaction and any opportunity for constructive conversation is dashed upon the rocks of ineloquence. If you find yourself responding this way a lot, it may be worth some effort to figure out why you’re so busy (or at least saying you are).

• Track your time with software like Rescue Time or with pen-and-paper to help you discover what is causing you to feel so busy.


• Became more mindful of your language. Try responding by saying what you’re working on right now.

Saying you’re busy is a verbal crutch that means nothing in today’s work reality.

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