SPIN, Stress and the Trouble With Busy

​by Eliz Greene

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Based on the results of our job stress study (thank you to those who participated), SPIN members are stressed.  That isn’t a surprise, but the top stressors may be.
 
SPIN members are most stressed by pressure of getting everything done.  This result is consistent with the findings for the nearly 1000 people participating in the first phase of the study.  A very small percentage, only 4 members out of the 52 responding, indicated a work-life balance factor (their job negatively affecting personal life) was their personal top stressor.
 
So what does that mean?
 
If we only focus on work-life balance issues, we are trying to solve the wrong problem.
 
We don’t lack balance. We have trouble with busy. 
Sure, stress recovery strategies such as meditation or laughter temporarily relieve the symptoms of stress, but they don’t address the underlying problem: We are just too darned busy!
 
What is the Trouble With Busy? 
It Clouds Priority:
We all are steeped in a swirl of obligations and commitments all screaming for our attention.  With so much in the environment, it is easy to lose track of what is important. 
 
So you should Sort The Swirl: During my closing keynote at SPINCon 2016, I shared an exercise using sticky notes to sort through the swirl to pull out the three things most important.  Taking time to step back and look at all of the things calling for your attention, looking at which bring your energy and which suck your energy away, is eye-opening.  I was thrilled to see some of you crumbling up sticky notes and pitching them away!
 
 
It Masquerades As Success:
As a society, we’ve come to equate busy with successful.  Leisure time has lost value and in some cases taking the time to do something for pure enjoyment is viewed as lazy or indulgent.
 
So you should Focus On The Bubble: When you know what is most important, success becomes defined by your own “bubble of contentment” rather than outside measures. This metaphorical bubble around yourself and two other things should be immune from the swirl of life and stress around it.

Crowds Out Time For Recovery:
No one can withstand high stress levels indefinitely, recovery time is essential. Yet, sometimes the sticky note causing us the most stress can’t be crumpled up and thrown away. 
 
So you should Don An Emotional Hazmat Suit to protect your health from things you cannot control!
 
How are you taking on The Trouble With Busy?
 
Motivational speaker Eliz Greene shatters the myth of work-life balance with groundbreaking research and a killer keynote. She gave the closing keynote at SPINCon 2016 as well as cohosting the SPINCon Live virtual broadcast.  She’s at home in a pair of heels, but can often be found scraping bottom paint off a sailboat or working on a diesel engine.  Find out more at ElizGreene.com and ConferenceTalkShow.com
 
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