The Myth of Being Busy

One thing that really grinds my gears as a college student is this myth of “being busy.” College students and millennials in general are infamous for being lazy and irresponsible.  This stereotype drives me crazy, because as a hardworking, diligent and motivated 21 year old I think this stereotype is misrepresentative.

Sadly, I am beginning to understand where this label comes from. How many times have you heard someone say they have to bail on a commitment because they are too busy? They have too much to do?  Or even better, they just need a second to relax? If not, maybe you’re the person using these excuses.

Either way, there is a false connotation of busyness sweeping throughout college campuses everywhere! Be careful not to catch this contagious epidemic. If you aren’t sure whether you are busy are not, then you probably aren’t.

The point of this article is not to bash people or make anyone feel like they are being targeted. It is to teach a simple lesson that is essential for business professionals – time management.

Planning ahead for deadlines is so important; however, procrastination is still often a hot topic among young adults. There are a few tips that can help to alleviate the feeling of being “busy”.

• Learn when you are most productive, and use this time to get things that matter done. When you are feeling productive don’t use it to organize your DVD collection or tag all of your Facebook photos – use it to study or finish a paper.
• Make your bed in the morning. I know this seems silly, but young adults who make their bed each morning are much less likely to take mid-day naps or lay down to “rest” when they have breaks. If you have 30 minutes to kill in between class and work, complete a simple task like making a grocery list, cleaning your makeup brushes, read a chapter for school, etc.
• Prepare for the weeks when you have a lot going on. Although many students do not follow this trend – it really does help. Finishing papers, homework assignments and projects up to a week before they are due not only relieves deadline stress, but it allows you a week to find any errors or changes that could improve it.
• Turn off your phone. One of the most confusing hypocrisies I witness involves our generation’s addiction to technology. Each week I see numerous Facebook and Twitter posts about how people have “So much studying to do” or “So much to do, not enough time.” I am tempted to comment “Then get off social media and get something done!” Turning off your phone and shutting down social media accounts one hour each day will go a long way in getting tasks accomplished.

In short, quit making excuses and learn that having “stuff to do” is a part of life.