The Busy Myth: Why a Packed Schedule doesn't measure True Value
Being busy has become a badge of honour in our modern society. The more packed our schedule, the more important and valuable we feel. This has made us believe that if we're not constantly busy, we're not genuinely contributing.
But is that really the case? Let's explore why genuine importance and value aren't tied to being busy and how this misconception especially affects women.
The Myth of Busyness Equals Importance
There is a widely held belief in both formal business settings and casual social situations: if you're important, you must be busy. This idea suggests that the more meetings you attend, the more emails you respond to, the more events you have in your calendar and the fewer breaks you take, the more important you are. However, this myth overlooks a critical aspect of productivity and well-being.
“The myths — If you’re important, you must be busy. If you’re valuable, your time would be scarce.”
Science Speaks: The Cost of Constant Busyness
Research in psychology and productivity shows that being busy doesn't necessarily mean being important. Constant busyness can lead to burnout, decreased creativity, and decreased productivity.
The human brain requires downtime and stillness to process information, solve problems, and generate new ideas. We deny ourselves the mental space and silence needed for true innovation and critical thinking by filling every moment with tasks.
The Value of Scarce Time: A Misconception
Another common myth is that your time should be scarce if you're valuable. This belief suggests that having a packed calendar means you're in high demand and highly valued. However, true value comes from the quality of your contributions, not the quantity of your appointments.
Quality Over Quantity: The Real Measure of Value
Consider highly successful individuals like Steve Jobs or Warren Buffet. They were known not for their overloaded schedules but their ability to focus on what mattered. Jobs famously wore the same outfit daily to reduce decision fatigue. Buffet spent much of his day reading and thinking. Their value came from making significant, thoughtful contributions rather than being perpetually busy.
The Impact on Women: Cycles and Societal Pressures
The belief that being busy determines one's value is especially harmful to women. Women's bodies operate with a 28-day menstrual cycle that affects their energy levels and needs for rest differently than men, who operate on a 24-hour cycle. During certain phases of their menstrual cycle, women may need more rest, impacting their energy and productivity.
However, society has largely been shaped by masculine norms that prioritise constant activity and productivity. This "doer" mentality can push women to ignore their natural rhythms and needs for rest, striving to keep up with an unsustainable pace.
Balancing Feminine and Masculine Energies
The traditional work culture values masculine energy—doing, achieving, and persistent activity. While these qualities are important, they must be balanced with feminine energy—rest, reflection, and nurturing. This balance is crucial for men and women but is particularly vital for women due to their unique physiological needs.
Embracing a Balanced Approach
So, how can you shift your mindset away from these myths? Here are some practical tips:
Prioritise Tasks: Focus on what truly matters and delegate or eliminate the rest. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to determine urgent and important tasks.
Schedule Downtime: Build regular breaks and downtime into your schedule. This isn't laziness; it's giving your brain the space it needs to function at its best.
Honour Natural Rhythms: Recognising and honouring one's inner and natural cycles can improve well-being and productivity, especially for women. Adjust your workload according to your energy levels and need for rest.
Quality Interactions: Opt for fewer, more meaningful meetings and interactions rather than a high volume of superficial ones.
Reflect and Review: Regularly evaluate your schedule and workload. Are you spending time on tasks that keep you busy, or are you making room for activities that have a significant impact or value?
Redefining Importance and Value
The belief that being busy and having little time are signs of importance and worth is deeply rooted but fundamentally flawed. By prioritising quality over quantity and allowing ourselves the necessary mental space, we can achieve more creative, innovative, and impactful work and a more meaningful life. It's time to redefine what it means to be truly important and valuable in our personal and professional lives.
In a world that glorifies busyness, remember: your worth isn't measured by the length of your to-do list. True value comes from focused, thoughtful contributions that make a real difference. For women, acknowledging and honouring their natural cycles isn't a sign of weakness but a path to true strength, wisdom, and sustainable success.
Feminine Power and Poise
The word "Poise" was chosen for this brand because it embodies balance, grace, and calm. Poise represents a state of being where one can navigate the demands of life, womanhood, motherhood, leadership and entrepreneurship with confidence and serenity.
It reflects our mission to help women find their own equilibrium, achieving success without sacrificing their well-being.
