I'm Busy

Really, who knew? Yes...we all have heard it and we probably all have said it, but do we mean it. Are we really that busy? Do we really have our lives so overbooked that every waking moment has been mapped for a specific activity or purpose? While some of us may be truly busier than others, I am somewhat put off, no actually completely disgusted, by those folks who seem to always use this as their excuse. I wonder to myself, "what exactly are they so busy doing?"

Is it for the sake of being busy? Are we contributing to our communities? Or, are we so focused on keeping up with the "Joneses", "Andersons", or whoever we might choose to emulate or aspire to become more like; that it has defined our involvement and activities rather than what we truly feel compelled or actually enjoy doing. Where are our priorities? What is really driving them?

In working with organizations, non-profits, and, in general, those who engage in service to others; we often hear the familiar "I'm Busy" excuse. Why is it that so often peoplewant to be a part of something, but then they can't quite commit beyond showing up for a meeting? In recent days, I have heard much praise about how Greene Countians "donate their time and effort", "they are great collaborators in time of need", and "the reason our communities are so great is because people have donated their time". And then I compare this with what else I hear, "I can't do it, I just don't have time" and "sure I'll be able to do that", but then we the time comes, they have floundered on their commitment.

If we are so great and our communities are a testament to the hard work and volunteerism of community members and at the same time, we are still hearing the common excuse "I can't, because I'm too busy"; then, what kind of communities would we have, what kind of organizations would we become, and how well would we actually serve others if there were less of us giving this excuse? Would we be even that much greater, stronger, or compassionate? I do believe that this is definitely something worth thinking about!

For the 5% of you who are the ones actually doing the work for the other 95% in your organization, your community; I say thanks for your commitment. For the frustrated community and organizational leaders whose motivational devotion often "goes in one ear and out the other"....keep the faith and don't stop, you are appreciated. And for those of you who are Stool Pigeons...well, all I have to say is "it's time to get off the pot". Let those with true commitment warm your seat for a while; you're too busy anyway!