Book Brew 59: Avoid the Sand Trap

The last Book Brew post discussed beginning with the end in mind and mentioned how we can fall victim to “climbing the ladder of success only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall.” Another piece of this is falling into what Covey calls the “Activity Trap.” He describes it as getting caught up “in the busy-ness of life,” a trap many of us fall victim to too often.

The Illusion of Productivity

So many people I have known over the years seem to approach the activity trap of being busy for busyness's sake as if it is an Olympic sport. I have yet to find the appeal of being busy, let alone being busy with no end in mind. While Damien will mock me (in a very loving way for those who don’t know us well) for my deeply ingrained need to “do” (see Book Brew #20 for more on this), I see my need to “do” differently than getting caught up “in the busy-ness of life.” Although I must admit that if I took several (yep, that’s seven) steps back, I’m sure I could objectively call it an activity trap of sorts.

Don’t Fill Up On Empty

So why is it a bad thing to be the “Busy business lady whose life is missing something, but she doesn't realize it because she is so busy with business”? Simple answer—because we miss out on the important things in life by filling up on empty things.

Covey talks about the “Big Rocks” concept in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. If you aren’t familiar with the “Big Rocks” concept, it goes something like this:

• Picture an empty jar (the time you have in life or for a project if you want something less daunting).
• You can fill this jar with the following items:
  • Sand (unimportant things—think Activity Traps).
  • Little Rocks (small, less significant tasks).
  • Big Rocks (things with the highest priority).
• If you fill the jar first with sand and then the little rocks, you won’t have room for any of the big rocks.
• But, if you put the big rocks in first, then the little rocks, then the sand, you can ensure you have time for the things you value the most in life.

Prioritizing What Truly Matters

So how can you avoid the Activity Trap of busy-ness? Choose your big rocks wisely and ensure they are taken care of first. Then, find time for the little rocks. And finally, ditch the sand, or if need be, use it sparingly.

Ponder This:

1. What are the “Big Rocks” in your life, and how can you ensure they take precedence over the “sand”?
2. Have you ever mistaken being busy for being productive? How did it impact your life or goals?
3. What “sand” can you eliminate today to make room for more meaningful activities?

Books

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey