164 – Why you should replace I’m Busy with the words Things are fantastic!
As we all get older and progress further in our business or careers, it's inevitable that our schedules get packed with more meetings, more family responsibilities, more social obligations—the list goes on. We're constantly telling each other how busy we are, how there's not enough hours in the day, and telling our kids to "enjoy the freedom while you can." I remember my dad telling me enjoy school it will be the best years of your life!
I met up with my mentor a few months back. He’s such a wise man. The first thing he said to me is, “Shelley how are you?” I replied, “I’m so busy!” He looked me straight in the eye and said, never say you’re busy, replace the word with…. Things are fantastic. The truth of the matter is, none of us are actually that busy—and we need to stop telling each other that we are. In reality, we have control over our time. We choose what we do and who we interact with on a daily basis.
When we tell others we're "too busy," what we're really saying is that we are not in control. As a business leader, is that the message we want to send to our staff, our customers, friends and family? Imagine all of the missed opportunities you've had because you were "too busy," being "too busy," We all need to stop concentrating on how little time we have to do the things we want, and start focusing on the freedom we have to choose.
Warren, my mentors’ wise words to me were this… When you replace the words I’m too busy with things are fantastic! What this does is…. One, it opens up the conversation because people are curious. Wow I want to know what’s so fantastic? Secondly, it removes the word “I” out of the conversation which makes the conversation more authentic. When we do this, people quickly identify what we enjoy! It takes the conversation from a negative “I’m too busy” to a positive “Things are fantastic, our business is growing or our team is hiring more staff etc. You get the point… you can tailor the comment to what is relevant to the person you are speaking with. It’s important to start having conversation with purpose. Nobody wants to hear how busy you are. They have enough problems of their own. Ultimately, people want to talk to authentic people and we need more authentic leaders in our society.
Warren my mentor encouraged me to read the Book called Discover Your True North by Bill George. This book helps leaders discover the purpose of your leadership, you’ll find the true leader inside you, enabling you to inspire and empower others as authentic leaders. What I loved most about this book is after each chapter there was an exercise asking you to answer very thought-provoking questions. Questions like… Do you have a fear of failing? Do you fear what other people would think about you if you did? Are you avoiding situations in which there is a risk of failing? How could the experience of failing help you achieve your ultimate goals?
The book has 3 parts.
Part 1 - Is your journey to leadership
Part 2 - Is developing as an authentic leader
Part 3 - Is transformation from I to we developing your purpose, empowering other leaders and exploring global leadership.
As a business coach, mentor, I train hundreds of entrepreneurs to centre their entire business around purpose. The importance of being an authentic leader and building trust and respect in their industry, with customers and staff. The people who are committed to your mission and to making positive change in your business.
After my meeting with my mentor, I've removed “too busy”, from my vocabulary. Overpacking my schedule can cause me to lose touch with my team and to lose trust with those that depend on me. It's vital for business professionals to keep a pulse on the daily activities of their organization's teams and to make sure each individual has the support they need to exceed their professional goals.
When you stop making excuses for yourself, you will realize how much time you actually have to dedicate to your purpose, and you can start spending your time making positive changes in ways that matter to you. Not only will this make you feel more fulfilled, you will be much more successful in accomplishing your goals. Stop saying, "I'm too busy," and start replace it with, “Thing are fantastic” See how the conversations become enriched with positive outcomes.
The success of your company is contingent on you being a strong, effective leader. According to Bill George, as a leader, you should adopt a style that fits your personality but be flexible enough to adapt to the situation and the needs of your colleagues. Only in this way can you maintain your authenticity and empower people through a range of challenges. Great leaders encourage others to be great leaders.
If you are struggling as a leader perhaps looking for a mentor to help guide you and your business so you can execute your strategy with precision. Have a listen to episode 18 – 5 reasons why you need a coach/mentor. Also included on our show notes is a link to Gazelles one page strategic plan worksheet. Plus, I am personally offering a 30 minute free coaching session to provide some professional tips. Please send us a message on our Facebook page Inspiring Greatness, or alternatively you can also email Shelley@Maxumcorp.com.au
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