It is a privilege to be busy.
In his book ‘The practice of groundedness’ Brad Stulberg quotes a message from a Doctor to his team. “Remember that our families, friends, and neighbours are scared, idle, out of work, and feel impotent. Anyone working in healthcare still enjoys the rapture of action. It’s a privilege! We mush on” March 20, 2020. The last few years truly have been about protecting lives and livelihoods. As the world is getting ready to open up again and we start venturing out on our respective adventures, I am inspired by the power of action and reminded that it is a privilege.
There is however a fine line between the rapture of action and the rupture of action.
The raptured days: There are days when I have not had a minute to myself. For instance, when I am running a client workshop and holding the attention of the group and holding space for their learning and development, it takes every ounce of my attention and energy. By the end of the day, I am depleted and yet I feel wonderful, knowing that my day has possibly improved many days and many outcomes for so many people.
The rupture days: And then there are other days filled with busyness where not a single minute is free and I am hopping and skipping and jumping from one task to the next. Mostly feeling out of control or out of depth, simply because I have not been able to plan or prepare in a way I would want. Unable to get ahead of skidding (underprepared) into one meeting after the other. Trying to add value but often adding to the confusion. Not driving an agenda but being driven by the agendas and deadlines of others. These kinds of days often lead to ruptures of trust and eruptions of emotions. Busyness does not always lead to bliss, but with some thought and effort, it can. The shift from being driven to driving an agenda is in the mind. I choose how I show up every day.
Intense action that is aligned with one’s core purpose and natural skills can be a beautiful thing. To have the opportunity to do work, the kind of work I love and am good at is truly a blessing. Making the effort to find that alignment is a choice that I must exercise.
When the to-do list seems too long and the pressure mounts, it is a perfect time to remind oneself about the gift of work. Then get to work and find a way to find the work that energise you. Think of what you did last week or last month or last year that you were so consumed by that you lost sight of time. That is the rapture of action that you must go in search of.
Today you get to make that choice. To embrace the day and live it to the best of your ability and make it better. Practice often makes perfect. Just because it does not feel comfortable at first does not mean you stop trying. A bit like riding a bicycle. Initially, there is a lot of effort and it feels terrible, with a few falls and lots of frustration. Some people give up saying this is not for me. Others persevere and suddenly they find their balance. The wind in your face, the feeling of fluidity and effortless movement. As long as you keep peddling the cycle continues.
May we all flourish and enjoy the rapture of action.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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