There’s an argument that says staying busy is good. It means you’ve got a job, and one that’s important enough that your boss needs you. It means you’ve got friends who want to spend time with you. It means you’re leaving your mark, and, hey, that takes work.
But a life that’s too busy is a double-edged sword, and it can affect more than just our sanity. Experts have found our frenetic pedal-to-the-metal mentality also could cause us to stall out in our careers. If that comes as a surprise, take a closer look at some of the implications of falling into the “busy trap.”
1. We Don’t Prioritize Well
With too many commitments spinning us into a tizzy, we can find ourselves short on the capacity to prioritize—a skill that’s absolutely invaluable in the workplace. With a million and a half assignments, it’s easy to want to start with the simple, no-brainer stuff, and just knock it all out. And that works. Sometimes. But that mode of operation also leaves you with little time for the more complex, time-consuming, or less-desirable work on your plate.2. We Lose Sight of the Big Picture
It seems contradictory, but maintaining a certain level of busyness also has a stilling effect. We get too bogged down in the details to spend time on the big-picture, strategic plan that we want for our careers.3. We Impair Our Creativity
In a post he titled “The Busy Trap,” New YorkTimes’ Tim Kreider argues that creating blank mental space is critical for vision and ingenuity. Being idle allows you to take that step back, make unexpected connections, and find inspiration.4. We Slow Down Our Brains
Finally, when you’re busy, there’s a good chance you’re sleeping less than you should, and not getting the mental rest you need. And that slows down your brain.