I’m sure it’s not just me, but I swear I hear “I’m too busy” or “I’m so busy” from at least five people each day.

In today’s world, everything is go, go, go so I understand that it’s easy to get caught up in the “busy” trap.  Last week I talked about learning how to protect your time with the “Is it a hell yeah?!” test.  Today I want to share another tidbit with you that I use on a weekly basis to evaluate my schedule and my priorities.

What “I’m Busy” Really Means

I’m going to get straight to the point and then give you a few examples.

What “I’m busy” really means is “it’s not a priority.” 

Now, every time you’re about to say “I’m too busy” in response to something, replace it in your mind with “it’s not a priority.”  Then, reevaluate.

I’ll give you several personal examples.

Last year, especially the last quarter, my blogging schedule was crazy.  I had so many projects and so many commitments to handle that it took over any free time I had before and after my 9-5 job during the week.  As a result, I rarely made it to the gym, out for a run, or to meditation class.  At first, I told myself I was just too busy.  But then, after listening to this Chase Jarvis YouTube video on how he gets sh*t done (he’s the founder of CreativeLive), I put into effect his tactic of replacing “I’m too busy” with “It’s not a priority.”  When I realized I wasn’t making the gym/runs/mediation a priority, it gave me a better sense of mind about it.  It gave me the opportunity to either 1) make it a priority or 2) be ok with it NOT being a priority at that time.  I chose the later option.

For me, at that time, it was ok for that not to be a priority, but acknowledging the reason I wasn’t going to the gym, out for runs, or to meditation class was super helpful.  It allowed me to stop focusing on the fact that I was “busy” and allowed me to just say, hey, it’s not a priority for me right now.

Another example that I experience often is when I’m trying to plan a trip with friends.  I’m sure you can relate to this one … Everyone always “wants” to go on a trip.  When the first mention of a trip is brought up to a group of friends, everyone is all “OMG, that sounds so fun!”  But when it comes down to actually committing to pick a weekend, book a hotel, find a flight, everyone’s tune changes to “Ohhhh I SO wish I could, but I’m just so busy with ______ right now.”  Everyone is busy, everyone has a lot on their plate, you’re not too busy, the trip just isn’t a priority.  And that’s ok!  But be able to acknowledge that and be ok with that decision.

I challenge you to stop saying I’m too busy.  Replace the phrase, in your head, with “it’s not a priority” and see how it affects your decision making and prioritization.

I hope this doesn’t come off as harsh, it’s just a trick I use often that helps me to prioritize and let go of the “I’m too busy” excuse so I hope this trick will do the same for you!

Outfit Details

You know I wasn’t going to leave you hanging without talking about this AMAZING velvet blazer!  It’s currently on sale for under $50 (originally $118).  I sized up for a bit of an oversized fit – I’m wearing a Medium.  It pairs perfectly with jeans, but I also styled it for work with black skinny pants too!  It would also be so chic over a black dress for a cocktail party!

I played up the accessories a bit to add to the white tee by layering my everyday pearl necklace, a trendy horn piece, and a long pendant necklace.  I styled the look with distressed jeans and my favorite loafer mules (I’m thinking about picking up a lighter color for spring!).

To top off the look, I grabbed my gorgeous hand-painted clutch designed by my friend Lauren Ross of ART by Lauren.  Her bags are super unique and so fun!

Loft Velvet Blazer | J.Crew White Tee (old, similar) | Madewell Denim (old, similar) | Sarto Loafers | Dogeared Pearl Necklace | Stella & Dot Luna Pendant | Kendra Scott Long Necklace | Lacee Alexandra Riva Ring c/o | Quay Australia Sunglasses | ART by Lauren Clutch | Timex Watch c/o