Scan Magazine

By Inger Buus

Do you sleep with your mobile within reach? Do you read your e-mails in the bathroom and type sms messages and e-mails while walking the dog; in other words are you an accomplished multi-tasker? Then you might just suffer from a very modern disease called ‘busyness’.

We like to be ‘busy’ which is not at all the same as being effective. In fact, recent research has shown that too much multi-tasking actually decreases your overall ability to focus and concentrate. Sufferers from the disease often report stress, fatigue, problems with work/life balance and related symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment for the ‘busyness disease’ – no pills or miracle powder will cure you. The good news is that the key to recovery is within yourself. As a wise person once put it: “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

Time is the scarcest resource today and unless you take control of your calendar and your time, then events, circumstances and people will do so for you. Whatever goes into your calendar will define who you are and what you accomplish.
In our leadership development programmes, we now include different methods to help people ‘cure themselves’ of the disease such as: Coaching on prioritisation and delegation; Zen meditation and breathing techniques; discovery of core personal values and goals, and peer exchanges on best practices. A good place to start is to put ‘achievements for the week’ as opposed to ‘tasks for the week’ on your ‘to do’ list. Then go through your calendar with a fine-tooth comb and weed out any tasks which will not contribute to your desired achievements. Finally, make sure you block off ‘me’ time for reflection and recovery.