Sneak Peek From Tom Goodlet’s Upcoming Book, Listen Like Jesus (Working Title)
In his book, “Stop using the ‘B’ Word,” author and my friend Todd Hopkins challenges his readers to go thirty days without using the word “Busy.” He argues we use this word frivolously to answer questions throughout our week. Questions like, “How was your day?”
“Oh man, I was super busy.”
Or “I have been too busy to get that done.”
Or “I am working twelve-hour days because I am so busy.”
The word busy is really unimpressive, even though we use it to try to impress others with our hard work and chaotic schedules.
Hopkins challenges us to use a better word instead. It is the word “Productive.”
Tell people, “I have had a productive day.”
“I am so productive lately.”
Or “I have not gotten to that task yet because I have been so productive with other tasks.”
The difference that comes with the word “Productive” instead of “Busy” is that anybody can be busy, but not everybody focuses on being productive.
Also, when you choose to say the word “Productive,” it forces your brain to determine if you are lying. You must evaluate whether or not the things you are doing are truly productive. If any of your actions are not productive, then maybe you don’t want to spend any more time and energy doing them.