488. The Hidden Cost of Being "Busy" (And What To Do Instead)

Are you constantly busy but feeling unfulfilled? In this episode, Jay Papasan explores the hidden costs of busyness and how it impacts our stress levels, empathy, and ability to focus on priorities. He shares research-backed insights into why we fall into this trap and practical strategies to break free. Jay discusses how busyness can act as a shield, masking deeper fears of failure or discomfort. He also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing meaningful work, scheduling intentional downtime, and carving out thinking time to make better decisions. By focusing on what truly matters, you can create a more fulfilling and productive life. Challenge of the Week: Take 2–3 minutes each morning to ask yourself, “What is my ONE Thing today?” Identify your top priority and focus on it first, letting it guide your decisions and reduce unnecessary busyness. *** To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods. We talk about: Why we fall into the busyness trap and the psychology behind it The difference between activity and productivity How prioritizing downtime and thinking time can lead to better decisions Links & Tools from This Episode: Free Resources Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [e-mail] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing. Produced by NOVA