Written by Jayne Robinson, Spiritual Coach & Advisor
Jayne Robinson is a skilled, intuitive spiritual advisor and coach. Director of JR Coaching, Founder of the Good Initiative, and soon-to-be-published author (2025, NYC Times Square)
Let’s be honest: in the world of entrepreneurship, saying "I’m so busy" has become the ultimate badge of honour. It’s almost like we wear it proudly, like a superhero cape. But here’s the kicker: once you hit a certain level of success when your systems are running smoothly, your team has your back, and clients keep rolling in, why does that incessant busyness still cling to you like an unwanted sidekick? Why does the thought of relaxing feel as foreign as a trip to Mars?
The hidden addiction to busyness
Let’s face it: you’re addicted to doing. That rush of dopamine you get from signing a new client or crossing off the last item on your to-do list? It’s like the best kind of high, isn’t it? But here’s the surprise: when it’s time to kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labour, the idea of sitting still feels like trying to meditate in a rock concert. Uncomfortable, right?
Ever tried to relax on vacation, only to find your mind racing with work-related thoughts? It’s like trying to turn off a buzzing alarm clock that just won’t quit. Instead of savouring your downtime, you’re left feeling antsy, restless, and downright guilty for not doing more. Sound familiar?
Are you addicted to busyness? Let’s find out
Here’s a little reality check. Do any of these resonate with you?
Perfectionism and control: You think no one can do it as well as you can—so you don’t delegate. The irony? Training someone else might reveal that they can excel, too. But that’s a scary thought, isn’t it?
Caffeine dependence: Is coffee your best friend? If you’re guzzling down 4 to 10 cups a day, you might be using it as a crutch to keep your adrenaline-fueled lifestyle afloat.
Escapism through habits: On those rare days off, are you scrolling mindlessly through social media or pouring yourself another glass of wine to escape the stress of the week?
Discomfort with boredom: Feeling bored makes you itch like you’ve got a hundred ants crawling on you. Instead of embracing that stillness, you dive headfirst into more tasks.
Unsolicited problem-solving: You’re the go-to guru for every problem, even when all someone wants is a listening ear. Do you feel the need to stay involved, even when it’s unnecessary?
A life centred around work: Let’s face it—your life outside of work is practically non-existent. You’ve become so consumed that everything else has been left in the dust.
The cost of continuous busyness
This addiction to constant activity isn’t just a quirky personality trait; it comes with a hefty price tag. You might find yourself drifting away from friends and family, lacking hobbies, and staring at your calendar like it’s your only source of joy. When you finally do carve out time for leisure, it often takes days to unwind enough to truly be present. Then it’s back to the grind before you can even catch your breath.
And let’s be real: the inability to relax can lead to some serious consequences:
Burnout: Exhaustion isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a reality. Pushing yourself too hard can drain both your physical and mental resources.
Addiction to work: Those dopamine hits can morph into a harmful dependency. Before you know it, work becomes your only source of joy.
Emotional immaturity: Avoiding relaxation often means sidestepping deeper emotional issues. This can stunt your emotional growth and regulation, leaving you feeling perpetually unsettled.
What’s really hiding behind your drive and busyness?
The drive to stay busy often comes from deeply rooted beliefs we formed in childhood. Perhaps you were made to feel that being idle was synonymous with being lazy, or that your worth depended on constant achievement. When authority figures in your life, like parents or caregivers, emphasised the need to always be productive, it left a mark. They might have pushed you to excel, labelling you as unworthy or lazy when you simply wanted to enjoy the freedom of being a kid.
Maybe they were so wrapped up in their own lives or the needs of your siblings that your feelings went unnoticed. This created an unconscious assumption: if you weren’t constantly doing something, you wouldn’t be seen or loved. As a result, you found yourself caught in a cycle of busyness, striving to prove your value through relentless achievement.
But this cycle serves as a distraction from deeper, uncomfortable emotions. Instead of addressing what lies beneath the surface, you keep pushing yourself harder. The irony is that this busyness only leads to more stress and anxiety, trapping you in a loop that feels impossible to escape.
The impact on your life and business
As entrepreneurs, we often lose ourselves in the busyness of our business, neglecting every other aspect of our lives. This sense of duty, combined with the all-consuming workload, can leave personal relationships hanging by a thread. If you’re not engaging in activities outside of work or nurturing your connections, you risk losing motivation and overall well-being. Let’s not forget we’re social creatures at heart!
Unlock your flow: Reclaim your life today
Here’s the truth: constantly pushing yourself won’t just wear you down; it can hinder both your personal life and your business. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s time to prioritise the people and activities that once brought you joy. Reconnect with friends, explore new interests, and, yes, allow yourself to truly unwind. Integrating these elements into your life can be a game changer, preventing burnout and dissatisfaction.
Understanding why you can’t relax is crucial. It’s about recognizing that underlying addiction to busyness and the emotional avoidance it masks. By addressing these issues and learning to balance work with personal life, you can cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling existence. Remember, true success isn’t just about what you achieve in your business. It’s also about the quality of life you lead outside of it.
Ready to break free?
If you’re nodding along and feeling that familiar ache of overwhelm, let’s explore these beliefs together. You deserve to experience peace and fulfilment without the constant pressure to perform.
Ask yourself: Are you longing for a life filled with flow, ease, and abundance? Imagine working less while receiving more effortlessly, attracting the opportunities and abundance you’ve always desired. It’s not just a dream; it can be your reality!
I specialise in helping individuals like you uncover the hidden barriers holding you back. Let’s take the first step together! I invite you to a complimentary 30-minute discovery call, where we’ll dive into your unique challenges and uncover the hidden costs of busyness that keep you from living in flow.
Don’t let another day go by feeling stuck. Reach out now to unlock the next chapter of your life and embrace the abundance you deserve. Your journey to a balanced, fulfilling life starts with a single call: let’s make it happen!
Read more from Jayne Robinson
Jayne Robinson, Spiritual Coach & Advisor
Jayne Robinson is an intuitive spiritual advisor and coach. As the Director of JR Coaching and an avid student of life, Jayne is much like the phoenix rising, leaning into her edge of personal development, emerging from her own transformations and spiritual quests time and time again. As such she is dedicated to helping clients do the same, to create a vibrant new chapter in their lives. Supporting successful entrepreneurs and individuals searching for more to move beyond boredom and burnout, guiding them through a spiritual voyage of uncertainty and fear to a transformative metaphorical death to rebirth. Her mission: embrace discomfort, uncover hidden possibilities, and transform your life.
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