Why is 'BUSY' considered the worst word for an artist to use?

The article suggests that using 'BUSY' can lead to a crushing sense of overwhelm, anxiety, and guilt, even if your schedule doesn't change. It can also be used to keep people at arm's length and signal an addiction to distractions, hindering an artist's creative flow and authentic connection.

How can I overcome the feeling of being constantly busy and overwhelmed as an artist?

The author recommends striking the word 'BUSY' from your vocabulary, as this can shift your perception of time and reduce stress. Additionally, identify your top priorities, create a plan to focus on them, and be wary of multitasking, which diverts focus.

What role do distractions play in an artist feeling 'busy,' and how can I manage them?

The article states that being busy can signal an addiction to distractions, which are prevalent in our anxiety-provoking world. To manage them, identify your top priorities and create a plan to focus your energy there, rather than getting caught up in various diversions.

What are the benefits of changing the words I use to describe my schedule and feelings?

By choosing different, more meaningful words instead of 'BUSY,' you can connect more authentically with others and reduce personal stress. The author experienced a disappearance of overwhelm and an increase in productivity, feeling less anxious and guilty, simply by refusing to use the word.

What is the worst word an artist can use to describe their state?

Photo of a tower made of clocks

If you’re an artist who’s feeling overwhelmed, try striking the word BUSY from your vocabulary.

I’m serious! This is potent stuff.

A few years ago I realized that I’d been ignoring my heart’s calling because of a relentless amount of responsibilities.

So I made a resolution to strike the word BUSY from my vocabulary. For one year, I simply refused to use it.

What happened was amazing.

Though my schedule remained much the same, that crushing sense of overwhelm totally disappeared. Productivity flowed.

Instead of “not enough” time, I magically seemed to have plenty.

I didn’t feel so anxious, so guilty.

I hadn’t realized that I’d been using BUSY to keep people at arms-length.

By choosing different words to describe myself, I connected in a more authentic and truthful way with others.

And in simply not using BUSY to describe myself, I became less stressed out. Less …you know, BUSY.

Busyness is a modern epidemic.

But being busy can also signal an addiction to distractions.

Have you noticed that in yourself?

Our world is full of anxiety-provoking distractions and it’s easy to get caught up in them.

If you’re an artist who feels busy because of distractions, identify your top priorities and create a plan to put your focus there.

Be careful of multi-tasking. It’s a sure path to diverting your focus.

And stop using the word BUSY.

Use your other words. Make them more meaningful.

Because the truth is, if you’re too busy to make art, if you’re too busy to honor the creative impulse that urges you forward, you’re just too busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 Why is 'BUSY' considered the worst word for an artist to use?: The article suggests that using 'BUSY' can lead to a crushing sense of overwhelm, anxiety, and guilt, even if your schedule doesn't change. It can also be used to keep people at arm's length and signal an addiction to distractions, hindering an artist's creative flow and authentic connection.
2 How can I overcome the feeling of being constantly busy and overwhelmed as an artist?: The author recommends striking the word 'BUSY' from your vocabulary, as this can shift your perception of time and reduce stress. Additionally, identify your top priorities, create a plan to focus on them, and be wary of multitasking, which diverts focus.
3 What role do distractions play in an artist feeling 'busy,' and how can I manage them?: The article states that being busy can signal an addiction to distractions, which are prevalent in our anxiety-provoking world. To manage them, identify your top priorities and create a plan to focus your energy there, rather than getting caught up in various diversions.
4 What are the benefits of changing the words I use to describe my schedule and feelings?: By choosing different, more meaningful words instead of 'BUSY,' you can connect more authentically with others and reduce personal stress. The author experienced a disappearance of overwhelm and an increase in productivity, feeling less anxious and guilty, simply by refusing to use the word.

What is the worst word an artist can use to describe their state?

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Frequently Asked Questions