The Busyness Boast

The thing about busyness is that it’s a back-handed boast. Being busy means having much to do, implying that you work hard, that you’re important, that you’re active and engaged and productive. This is in contrast to those who don’t have much to contribute, do not have much to do, do not work, or work hard enough–useless people. Busy people are useful.

But it’s a boast and a defensive move, sometimes used by people who do not feel important, who feel that they are disrespected. It’s a defensive move. It’s also an iron-clad defense against doing more projects or making more commitments.

When I hear people say that they have a busy week ahead I feel dread. I dread because it means they will be stressed, perhaps even scattered. I dread because if I have to do business with them or otherwise engage with them, they might be mentally on to the next item already. They may not listen. A busy person may not take the time necessary to do something right, not with everything else pressing on them.

I wonder why people advertise this, frankly.

Possibly Related posts:

1. Busy Times and the Disease of Busyness
2. Journal: June, Week One
3. No Time Left for What?
4. Thanksgiving Pause
5. Lent, Fasting, Sloth