As a business and executive coach, I frequently share with clients that they are the ones holding their business back. Taking on too much and being too busy makes one feel good and accomplished. In reality, it can have the opposite effect on the business.
Do you suffer from Busyness-itis?
Business owners who are always busy might be doing more harm than good to their business and themselves. Being busy is not the same as being productive. In fact, being too busy can lead to stress, burnout, poor decision making, and high levels of frustration. It is also difficult to be an effective leader when decisions and interactions are rooted in frustration. Here are some of the problems that can arise from being too busy as a business owner:
- One loses sight of their vision and goals. Neglecting to set and review long-term and short-term goals can be detrimental to keeping the business on track and aligned with the vision.
- One compromises their quality and reputation. When one is too busy working in their business, they might not have enough time to lead and develop their team effectively. They will also lose the ability to be proactive to the needs of the business.
- One neglects their health and well-being. When one is too busy, they might not have enough time to take care of themselves. This can affect their physical and mental health, as well as their performance and productivity.
- One misses out on opportunities for growth and innovation. When one is too busy, they might not have enough time to learn new skills, explore new ideas, or pursue new opportunities. They might also become resistant to change, feedback, or improvement, which can limit their potential and competitiveness.
To avoid being too busy and become more productive and motivated, one can consider the following:
- Prioritize tasks. Prioritize what only YOU can do.
- Set realistic goals and deadlines. After all, this is what keeps the team on track.
- Delegate and/or outsource. Delegation and outsourcing are great ways to get more done.
- Learn to say no and avoid over-committing. Saying no is sometimes the most productive decision that one can make.
Remember, being busy is not a badge of honor. It is important to find a balance between work and life to achieve success and happiness. Being the hero that jumps in to fix every problem in the business is neither healthy nor sustainable.
The path to success is one phone call away. Call me at 248-979-8235.