The Cult of Busy

by paulette@paulettereesdenis.com | Jul 30, 2025 | Uncategorized

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The Cult of Busy

In our wacky and often dysfunctional (these days) modern world, “busy” has weirdly become a badge of honor. I see folks wear packed schedules and overflowing inboxes as proof of importance, productivity, and even self-worth. 

The constant hum of activity, the endless to-do lists, the feeling of always being “on”—it’s become the default setting for many, almost a religion we all subscribe to. And even using it as an excuse, instead of saying ‘No”.

But what if this relentless pursuit of busyness is actually hindering us, rather than helping us? What if the true path to fulfillment lies not in doing more, but in doing less?

The Allure of Always Being On

There’s a subtle but powerful societal pressure to be busy. From a young age, I feel many of us are taught that hard work and constant effort lead to success. Social media often portrays a curated version of productivity, where everyone seems to be achieving groundbreaking things, running marathons, and building empires all before breakfast. This constant bombardment of “success stories” can make us feel inadequate if we’re not constantly striving, constantly working, constantly busy. Know what I mean?

Some folks equate busyness with importance. If you’re busy, you must be in demand, you must be valuable, you must be making a difference. This can lead to a fear of idleness, a feeling that if we’re not doing something productive, we’re wasting time or falling behind.

While the idea of being busy might seem appealing on the surface, I think the reality is that it comes with a steep price. What can happen when one is so busy?

• Burnout: Ohhh baby, I’ve been there several times. This is the most obvious consequence. Constant stress and lack of rest lead to exhaustion, both physical and mental. This manifests as fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed.
• Decreased Productivity: Ironically, being too busy can actually make us less productive. Could be some ADHD setting in…When our minds are constantly racing, we struggle to focus, make thoughtful decisions, and engage in creative problem-solving. We might be doing a lot, but are we doing it well? Not necessarily.
• Strained Relationships: When we’re always busy, our relationships often take a backseat. We might miss out on quality time with loved ones, become less present during conversations, and neglect the nurturing that healthy relationships require.
• Poor Health: Chronic stress impacts our physical health in numerous ways, from weakened immune systems to increased risk of heart disease and digestive issues. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and neglecting exercise often go hand-in-hand with an overly busy lifestyle.
• Loss of Self: When we’re constantly caught in the cycle of doing, we can lose touch with who we are outside of our roles and responsibilities. We might forget our passions, our hobbies, and what truly brings us joy.

Quitting the cult of busy isn’t about becoming lazy or unproductive. It’s about being intentional with our time and energy, prioritizing what truly matters, and creating space for rest, reflection, and joy. 

I often help guide my coaching clients to stop, sit, listen in…to their deepest desires, changes they wish to make, to re-find themselves.

A couple of ideas for you:

• Identify Your Values: What truly matters to you? What do you want your life to look like? When you align your actions with your values, you’ll find it easier to say no to things that don’t serve you.
• Learn to Say No: This is perhaps the most challenging but crucial step. You don’t have to agree to every request or opportunity. Protect your time and energy by politely declining commitments that don’t align with your priorities.
• Prioritize Ruthlessly: Not all tasks are created equal. Use methods like my M.A.P (Magic Action Plan) to categorize your tasks and focus on what truly moves the needle. Let go of the need to do everything perfectly.
• Schedule Down Time: Don’t just schedule meetings and deadlines. Schedule time for rest, relaxation, hobbies, and simply doing nothing. Treat this “white space” as non-negotiable.
• Disconnect Regularly: In our always-on world, it’s vital to unplug. Break the habit. Set boundaries around technology, take digital detoxes, and resist the urge to constantly check emails or social media.
• Embrace Imperfection: The desire to be busy often stems from a need for control and perfection. Understand that it’s okay for things to be “good enough” rather than absolutely perfect.
• Practice Mindfulness: Being present in the moment can help you appreciate what you have and reduce the urge to constantly be striving for the next thing.

Quitting the cult of busy is a journey, not a destination. It requires conscious effort, self-compassion, and a willingness to make changes. But the rewards—improved well-being, stronger relationships, greater clarity, and a deeper sense of fulfillment—are immeasurable. 

It’s time to reclaim our time, our energy, and ultimately, our lives.

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Movement, Momentum, and Magic are my key phrases in my Creative Coaching work…
I coach creative women, ready to make a change and step into their desires, abundance, and fulfillment.
I guide women who are wanting more confidence, and accountability, and able to see new possibilities in creativity and prosperity!
I give them spiritual, emotional, and physical tools to step into extreme self-love, creativity, clarity, action steps, accountability, and celebration for their successes.
And I love to talk with you, in my (free) consultations, which I call From Chaos to Creativity, to see if working with me as your coach is what is next and best for you right now. I want to help guide you to your own magic and abundance!

I am committed to helping you–

• Be a POSSIBILITARIAN: Co-creating a unique space for you to prosper and explore all possibilities in a judgment-free zone.
• To Set your INTENTION and create a new CONNECTION: Through self-worth and self-care.
• Have the Freedom to REWRITE YOUR STORY: Change your words, make your own choices and fly your freak flag in pursuit of your dreams.
• To Live a SACRED LIFE: That is confident, individualistic, fulfilling and abundant.
• To Embodying MOVEMENT: Allowing your soul to love the skin it’s in, raise your vibrational energy to align your mind, body and soul.
• To Maximizing your MOMENTUM: By motivating you to raise your energy and excitement necessary to take action toward your desires.
• To Harnessing everyday MAGIC: With conscious awareness, gratitude for living in your divine flow and making your difference in the world.

This is what I do as your coach, your guide, your sacred rebel mentor. Movement, Momentum, and Magic…

Are your feeling the desire to create some changes?

If you would like to talk with me, schedule that free strategy session with me now, and let’s dive in and see how I can help and clarify what is next for you, with movement, momentum, and magic! click on this link: https://calendly.com/paulettecoach/finding-your-new-voice-appt-call

With gratitude…

Paulette

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And don’t forget to join me every Monday, Live, at 8 am PST, for some

Monday Mojo…

over in my private women’s group page: Dance with Desire: https://www.facebook.com/groups/danceanddesire
join us now, even if you can only view the replay! Get your week started with some great juju!