An Opinionator piece in The New York Times called The Busy Trap has been generating a lot of discussion in the last few days. The author, Tim Kreider, challenges some popular assumptions about whether it’s good to be busy, and whether we’re busy with what matters.

“Even children are busy now, scheduled down to the half-hour with classes and extracurricular activities. They come home at the end of the day as tired as grown-ups.”

How about your kids, or the kids you know? Do they have enough unstructured time?

“Busyness serves as a kind of existential reassurance, a hedge against emptiness; obviously your life cannot possibly be silly or trivial or meaningless if you are so busy, completely booked, in demand every hour of the day.”

And how about you? Does your schedule reflect what is meaningful for you? If you’re not sure, have a look at David Allen’s summary of the 6 Horizons of Focus. It can help you create a schedule that aligns your next actions, projects, and higher goals.

Tags: Family, Getting Things Done, GTD Times Team - Staff Contributors, Implementation, Inspiration //
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