Listen to this episode
On this episode
It’s easy to see busy as a badge of honour. It makes us feel like we’re making a contribution, so we pack our schedules, fill every gap in our diary, and feel guilty when we take time to rest.
But this constant busyness isn’t sustainable. It’s burning us out and making us resentful, even of the work we once loved. Being busy all the time doesn’t mean we’re doing meaningful work; it’s just keeping us going without depth or purpose.
Instead of measuring our worth by how much we do, it’s time to focus on the impact we make. Living in alignment with our values, being present with others, and setting boundaries are all steps toward a more meaningful way of working.
Because when we’re constantly busy, we can become cynical and disconnected. Our performance suffers, and the joy we once found in our work starts to fade. We might even make ourselves physically or emotionally unwell, unable to keep up with the demands we’ve placed on us.
This week’s quick dip shows you how to take back control of your schedule and show up as the medical professional you really want to be.
Show links
More episodes of You Are Not a Frog:
- How to Catch Stress Early Before You Spiral into Burnout – Episode 249
- Embrace Your Capacity, Not Your Limits – Episode 176, with Dr Sarah Coope
- The 5 Different Types of Burnout – And How to Prevent Them – Episode 270, with Dr Paula Redmond
Reasons to listen
- To understand why constant busyness can lead to burnout and diminish your overall wellbeing
- To set boundaries, say no, and create space for meaningful work and rest
- For alternative ways to find significance beyond being constantly busy or overworked
Episode highlights
Sending the busy signal
Busy as a sustitute for self-worth
Why is it so hard to let go of busy?
What happens when you say yes to everything
Stop overfunctioning
The shame of not being busy enough
Fear of missing out
Focus on impact, not volume
Live in alignment with your values
Use your experience to guide, not grind
Would you be proud if no-one saw you do it?
“Busy is the new stupid”
Avoid swapping one kind of busy for another
Don’t expect instant relif
Don’t wait for permission to set boundaries
Slowing down is not failing
There is no perfect time to start
Start protecting your time today
Episode transcript
[00:00:00] Rachel: I have children at home at the moment doing A Levels and it’s quite annoying ’cause. I have to work at home, I record my podcasts at home, and I’m used to it being my space. [00:00:09] Rachel: Now, some days I’m pretty busy. I have back-to-back meetings. I literally don’t stop all day, and it was like that the other day. And one of my pet bug bears is when my children eat, they have their snacks and then they just leave their stuff all over the kitchen. And I was moaning about this. I said, why…
