Keep the Needle Moving

Have you ever asked yourself during work: Am I not busy enough? Maybe it’s a slow season and you’re feeling a little guilty from your coworkers hauling ass around you. Maybe you’ve just finished transitioning roles and you’re no longer doing double duty. Maybe you just finished this massive project and you cleared your plate from most other things in order to handle it. Whatever the reason you’re not as busy, let’s do a quick check in with these four steps to make sure we haven’t hung anything out to dry. And with the likelihood that you’ve checked all the boxes here, I’ve got a treat for you at the end.

Step 1: List out all open/outstanding tasks

Sound like common sense right? Well, have you done it? I’m here to remind you to be accountable for the things you know you should already be doing. Do you have that rogue sticky note that contains a random list of to-do items? Do you have that follow up task window in your Outlook calendar busting at the seams? Do you have unanswered critical emails? Do you have outstanding required training? What about that improvement process that’s been on your mind lately? Write them all down in one location either in a notebook or somewhere digitally. You need to be able to see everything in front of you.

Step 2: Schedule what you can work on immediately

What can you do right now without others’ involvement? What are 5 minute tasks that you’ve just been putting off? What are the annoying administrative things you just haven’t prioritized? Take a few moments categorize what you can work on by yourself immediately and what you need others for. For the things that you can do on your own, get them into the calendar with an appointment to yourself to complete these tasks. Yes, we’re knee deep in a planning session! While we’re here, let’s also schedule meetings with others to check in on or work on the items you need others for. But Rachel, this is so basic! Yes. Yes it is. But are you doing it actively?

Step 3: List out skills or tasks that you *could* take on

I’m not saying go looking for more work just yet. Let’s just get some ideas down. This is how stretch assignments are made! Are you looking for more pubic speaking opportunities? Do you really want to get into the technical weeds on something specific? Would you like to take a training class within your company? What else is on your *want* list but you just haven’t gotten to yet? Take some time to really think about what your next career move might be, what traits that “best you” exhibits to thrive in that role, and then attach measurable goals to those traits. If you haven’t done this before, it’s a game changer.

Step 4: Only keep what matches your career goals

Often times, we strive to be busy to prove our worth because we may feel like we’re not doing enough in others eyes, so we take on tasks to fill up that time. What is this really doing for us though? Sure, I’m in the business of lending a hand as a favor for a project that’s unrelated to my development. That’s called being a team player. However, it’s an occasional helping hand – not a regular behavior. Keep the tasks and skill development that match your career direction so you know your “why” behind the goal. Knowing the why will make these extra things easier and more desirable to do. Toss the ones that don’t belong on that list Marie Kondo style. And then, say it with me, schedule it into the calendar!

OK, Rachel, I’ve gone through all of these steps and I’m working productively, keeping everything moving, scheduling all the things, but I’m still left with this non-busy guilt. What gives?

Here’s my treat for you: you have effectively done your job and that guilt is a workplace construct.

You heard me. It’s a workplace construct. There’s this weird glamour around being too busy for your own good. But what if you were so good at planning, prioritizing, and focusing to get those things done that you really can do your job in enjoyment without breaking your back? What would your day feel like if you could really breathe? How would you leave your workspace each day knowing you’ve put in an effective day’s work? Notice I didn’t say hard day’s work.

If you’re looking for permission to feel less guilty, I just gave it to you. All of this boils down to good strategy. There’s a quote out there that says “sometimes strategy comes down to knowing what not to do” and if you can pick out what not to work on, you’re going to feel a lot less weight and lot more accomplishment.

Stay guiltless.

-Rachel