The Curse of “I Simply Don’t Have the Time”
In today’s business world, being busy is the norm, everyone is busy and the more senior you get the busier it seems you are. Business owners in the sub £10m turnover arena usually top this busy list to the point of overwhelm although its likely every MD and CEO has felt this way at some point.
When I ask them why they are so busy and what are they doing about it, they often look at me in stupefied silence, I mean how can I ask something so dumb, and the universally accepted mantra of “I simply don’t have the time to do” whatever it is that would improve their efficiency, if they even accept the remis that this might be possible.
This “I simply don’t have the time” statement opens up a Pandora’s box of underlying issues and misconceptions about what it truly means to be “busy”.
Firstly, this is something I find to be true: most business owners already possess approximately 80% of the knowledge required to build and run any size of business. This is not an overestimation. Experience, market exposure, and constantly being exposed to problems equip entrepreneurs with substantial expertise over time. Here’s the paradox though – if you have the knowledge, then why does growth seem like a distant dream? The answer often is because they “simply don’t have the time to do the things that would improve the situation.”
This brings us to the crux of the matter: what does being “busy” really mean? At its core, ‘busy’ entails being occupied with activities, so being busy can often be counterproductive. A good place to start then maybe are the things you are doing, that are making so busy these the right activities? Every business owner needs to scrutinise their daily tasks and evaluate their alignment with getting at least one action in every day that will be aligned with solving the problems that are keeping you busy so you can find the time to focus on the company’s growth objectives. It’s not uncommon to find oneself tangled in the minutiae of business operations to the point that sales dry up, cashflow runs out and strategic opportunities slip by unnoticed.
Now, ask yourself, what should your number one priority be? This question is not rhetorical. It demands a moment of reflection away from the day-to-day grind. Identifying your top priority every day is the first step towards meaningful productivity. It’s about understanding the difference between being ‘busy’ and being ‘productive.’ The former can consume your time with little to show for it, while the latter propels your business forward.
Furthermore, ponder on whether there’s a chance you could be more effective. Efficiency isn’t about cramming more tasks into your day; it’s about ensuring that every task you undertake is impactful and contributes towards your ultimate goals. This realisation often comes with accepting that you might need to delegate, automate, or eliminate certain tasks to focus on what truly matters.
If reading this strikes a chord with you, and you find yourself nodding in agreement with the possibility of enhancing your effectiveness, then it’s time for a change. It’s time to step back, reassess, and realign your actions with your objectives. And if you’re unsure where to start, reaching out for guidance can be the first step towards transformation.
In conclusion, being perpetually “busy” is a condition many business owners wear as a badge of honour, yet it’s often a mask for inefficiency or misplaced priorities. It’s essential to break this cycle, to understand that being busy isn’t the same as being productive. If you’re ready to transition from endless busyness to meaningful productivity, then let’s have a conversation. Sometimes, a short discussion can be the catalyst for significant change. Remember, acknowledging the need for improvement is the first step towards achieving your business aspirations.
Let’s have that conversation.
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