busy doesn't always mean better

“I can’t call a person a hard worker just because I hear they read and write, even if working at it all night. Until I know what a person is working for, I can’t deem them industrious.… I can if the end they work for is their own ruling principle, having it be and remain in constant harmony with Nature.”
— Epictetus, Discourses, 4.4.41; 43

We often think that the busiest people are the most productive. We see someone rushing around, always in meetings or working late, and assume they must be doing great things. But is this really true?

Being busy doesn't automatically mean you're being productive or effective. Sometimes, the person who seems the busiest is just spinning their wheels without making real progress.

Instead of praising busyness, we should look deeper. What exactly are you spending your time on? Why are you doing those tasks? Where will they lead you in the long run?

These questions are much more important than how many hours you work or how stressed you seem. Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to work.

A truly productive person might actually seem less busy. They focus on the most important tasks that will have the biggest impact. They say no to time-wasters and distractions. They work smarter, not just harder.

So next time you feel overwhelmed with busyness, take a step back. Ask yourself:

• Is this task really important?
• Does it align with my goals?
• Will it make a real difference?

If you can't answer yes to these questions, maybe it's time to stop and rethink how you're spending your time. Don't fall into the trap of being busy just for the sake of looking productive.

Remember: Your time is precious. Use it wisely on things that truly matter, not just to seem busy. In the end, results speak louder than long hours.