Busier
than a blind squirrel trying to find a nut . . . busier than a
one-armed paper hanger . . . busier than a one legged man in a butt
kicking contest.
I assume everyone has been asked that question
a lot. In fact it has
become one of those conversation intros that we often don’t actually
expect or even want an answer to.
However, now and then someone asks it and then pauses like
they really want an answer.
What do you say?
Do you say ‘NO’, indicating that you have time to dedicate to them,
but risk sounding like you have nothing going on?
Or, do you answer legitimately and try to gauge when they
tune out to the self absorbed dribble about your wonderfully busy
life.
However you handle that question, it can have
many interpretations and contexts.
It could be asked and answered in terms of how your overall
business is doing. It
could be asked referring specifically to your state of activity at
the very moment the question is posed.
Or, it could be asked simply because it seemed better than
just saying ‘Hi’.
Most people seem to like being busy.
It passes the day faster, gives a sense of accomplishment,
and reaffirms that one is needed.
However, true to life, sometimes we find ourselves
legitimately not busy.
What do you do during those times?
Some push back and rationalize that their lack of being busy
must mean they have accomplished all they had to or could.
Others will recognize less activity and dig in to find
something else productive to do.
In current times, with all the streamlining of work forces
and additional hats each person wears, I am guessing most,
especially in the lumber business affiliate with the latter
perspective.
One of my favorite thoughts in business and
life is the concept that luck doesn’t happen to us but rather, luck
is made by our chosen activities.
It also speaks to accountability for your own circumstances.
Here are a few other favorite
thoughts about being busy, enjoy.
“Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.”
Lowell Thomas
“The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!”
Marvin Phillips
“Every obstacle yields to effort.” Leonardo Da Vinci
“Get busy, keep busy.”
Dale Carnegie
“Don’t feel entitled to anything you don’t sweat and struggle
for.” Marian Edelman
--Bo Hammond