The Illusion of Being Busy

I was talking to a friend and he mentioned how he is always busy.  It’s like the world stopped for me when he said this.  I interrupted him and asked why he was so busy.  He looked at me dumbfounded and said in an exasperated sort of way, “You know I am trying to do big things.”  I just laughed.

Then I proceeded to say how being busy is an illusion.  That the reason why he feels like he is so busy is because he is insecure about his goal and not sure if what he is doing will work.  He admitted that this was true.  He told me most of the time he is having meetings with people that do not amount to anything.  Then he is busy trying to come up with ideas.

The thing that is happening when we do this is that our mind is chaotic.  We are throwing arrows hoping one will hit the center.  Resources are a waste unless there is a strategic plan that goes with it.  If you are busy all the time then that tells me that you do not have a strategic plan happening for your goals.

It’s funny I have reached out to people that are very successful and they always have time for me.  When I reach out to those that are about on the same level as me, they have no time to meet or to talk.  I think there is a hidden rule some place that I missed that states before you become successful appear as if you have no time, then you will appear as if you are successful.  Have those that reached a certain point of success, know something many do not?

When did we equate success with being so busy?  In fact, the only way to become truly successful is if you are able to sit often and not do anything, but to be still and listen to God or the universe as to your next step; whatever that may look like for you whether its prayer, meditation, or contemplation.  I know its scary to sit still while the world is passing you by because one begins to feel like a failure.  I am not saying do not have goals and try to become a success, but do not become so busy that you have no time for the God, Universe, Buddha, or Allah to interfere.  Its very hard to have a connection to the divine when one continuously looks for a connection in the natural.

You cannot be busy and also pay attention to the signs of the universe or the voice of God; its like driving with your eyes closed, you are not going to get anywhere and if you do, you will probably crash upon arrival.