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via emailQuestion: How Do You Know You’re Too Busy?
September 21st, 2009
I can’t keep up. I admit it. I’ve been feeling like I can either figure out what needs to be done, schedule it, or do it, but not all three. All (or almost all) good stuff that “needs” to be done. And it’s affecting me. I can see it. I can feel it.
So tell me, how do you know when you’re too busy?
KenL said:
As a general rule, I don’t tend to notice that I’m overbooked until I start dropping the ball on things. That’s not a good thing, I know, but it’s the way it works.
I’m very familiar with the feeling of being able to “figure out what needs to be done, schedule it, or do it, but not all three.” For a while, Stephen Curtis Chapman’s “King of the Jungle” was my theme song.
Anyway … nothing useful to add, Chris, but I’ll pray for your peace. And if there’s anything I can do to help in a physically-practical way, you know where to find me.
Jacob Stoddard said:
Some warning signs I have been able to notice from time to time (in order from most important to least important):
(1) When I stop spending time with God.
(2) When I stop spending time with my wife.
(3) When I stop spending time with my son.
(4) As Ken said, when I start dropping the ball on my commitments.
(5) When I am consistently losing sleep.
(I would put “When I stop spending time with my friends and extended family” in the list too, but I’m not quite sure where to put it: between 3 and 4, or between 4 and 5. Another possibility may be to add: “When I have no available time for the unexpected, one-time, ministry opportunity”.)
Certainly, some (small) amount of give and take is expected in category. But large and/or consistent violation of any category is a problem.
Then I have to evaluate: are these things happening because I’m overcommitted on good, selfless things? Or am I squandering my time on wasteful, selfish things, like: TV, video games, selfish hobbies, or even reading? (Now, just how much time did I spend trying to solve that Rubiks Cube last weekend?)
If any of the categories 1-5 are failing, and my “me” time is in check, I know I’m overcommitted, and something has got to go.
It’s interesting to discuss this, as I have been dealing with this very issue over this past year, but I haven’t articulated my thoughts on the matter in terms so cut and dry before.
Alana said:
I lose perspective and joy. Overwhelmed in the mundane tasks I feel totally unsatisfied with the stuff consuming me and just want to be freed from it so I can rest in the Father, but the vicious cycle hits as I struggle to rest knowing there’s much on the plate to accomplish. But why? When I know putting Him first makes a world of difference, can I not let it go to be with Him?
Tyanne Sylvestre said:
I would say Jake and Alana have nailed it pretty well. Once you (generic you) identify that you are in fact too busy, what action do you take?
Jacob Stoddard said:
Tyanne:
My thought would be any action you take must alleviate your busyness. So either:
-Let go of one or more responsibilities (without breaking any promises if possible).
-Get help in doing your current commitments.
-Say “no” to new commitments.
The decision of course should be made with prayer, consideration, and wise council. Prayer for discernment, consideration of your priorities and core beliefs, and council from someone you respect: preferably christians (probably older) who know you and/or have dealt with what you are dealing with now. Small group leaders, team leaders, elders, and staff are all prime candidates, but there are others too.
Of course, heartfelt prayers for relief can be helpful too.
allt said:
I know I am overbooked when I am feeling so overwhelmed by all the things I need to get done that my kids are getting in the way of what I need to do and I am getting short with them. Then I step back and look at the real priorities. They are only young once. I have the rest of my life to get all these other things done. this is the season to focus on bringing them up loved and not shoved aside.