My number one pet peeve: people giving the excuse that they’re too busy to do something.
Yes, I understand that they very well may be TOO BUSY, but isn’t EVERYONE?
I don’t think I know many people that are not busy. Saying you’re too busy also gives the impression of you being more important than everyone else.
I just wish people would say instead … “No, I don’t want to do that.” To me, that’s more honest. Because people make time for something they want to do, but make excuses (“I’m too busy.”) for what they don’t want to do.
So, don’t tell me you’re too busy, just say you don’t want to do it. I’ll probably take that better.
Because you know I’m not busy at all.
I’ll just put aside my jobs of cooking or making sure everyone’s eaten three meals a day (snacks too), keeping a clean house (dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, sweeping, mopping, and of course, the dishes), washing everyone’s clothes, paying the bills, keeping the yard up, making sure the girls’ schoolwork and studying is done every night, loving and nurturing the children, making sure the children are clean and dressed everyday, being the girls’ hairdresser, being a good wife, being a good friend, taking care of Roxy Belle, doing all the shopping for groceries and everything else the family needs to survive … not to mention my other full-time job of media assistant, now women’s director (and all the duties that go along with these jobs), PTF officer and school volunteer, worship team member, and Bible study leader … oh, right, and I’m supposed to find time to take care of myself by exercising, and don’t forget the most important thing … to set aside quiet time for just God and me.
Now, I am by no means saying people should do everything they’re asked to do. NO SIREE! I don’t do a lot of stuff I don’t want to do it, but I don’t give the excuse of being too busy. I’ll just say that I can’t.
Most of the time if something is going to get in the way of my precious family time or will not be good for my children, I don’t do it.
One word that I am still learning about is PRIORITIZE. I love that word. It gives you the freedom to not do the things that are not important for your life … so, say you can’t.
Don’t say you’re too busy, like Kip here … although making nachos is pretty busy work.
Haha, perfect! Love the Napoleon Dynamite clip, too.
oh so true!
OK this post reminded me I need to fax my stuff to you. I promise I’m not too busy – just forgetful!!! (Ask Lois, I have a terrible memory.) I’m faxing it over right now! 🙂
OK duh, there’s no fax number. You’ll get it in the mail in a few days. Sorry!
Oh, Rachel. I wasn’t talking about you or anyone specifically. I promise.
One of my favorite clips of the entire movie. 😉 Still giggling.
I totally get your point too. unfortunately sometimes it seems easier to throw out excuses than to just admit one doesn’t want to do some thing. – Not like I would know or anything… (Sheepish look)
I’m too busy to post a comment.
Just kidding!
Loved this post – so true. Thanks for putting it in words.
I get what you’re saying.
I’m getting much better at saying I can’t.
That is the best clip ever. I need to rent that movie again.
Big Daddy tells my peeps “there’s no such thing as ‘can’t’ – you either don’t want to or don’t know how, so which is it?”
My peeps almost always say, “I don’t want to.” I wish I knew how to say those 4 little words.
I was just thinking “people do what is top priority to them” when you wrote PRIORITIZE…..very true!
“GOSH!” “My lips hurt REAL bad!”
One of my favorites.
This is an especially busy time of the year with school ending, hall decking, extra shopping, etc. On top of all the things you mentioned, I MUST make myself slow down and take care of the truly important things. And remembering the reason for the season sure helps!
I had to learn to say the NO word or I would be gone every night of the week. The deal is that you can't cut into my family time but I may be able to help you if it is something that can be done during the day when everyone is at school & work. Then again, I work too so I have to be pretty selective. I play it straight and just say NO. No excuses!!
Are you sure you weren’t talking about me? Because I thought for sure we just discussed this ~! lol.
Agh! Can I just say Amen???!!!! As a stay at home mom to 3 toddlers, volunteer staff in charge of 4 ministry areas and 4 campaigns for Africa it REALLY bothers me when someone is “too busy” to volunteer for a simple half hour time slot at a church event! Ok thanks! I just love that you get this too! As if we just twiddle our thumbs. . .
Brandi
It is so much better to be straight forward and say no I am sorry I can’t do this or that. I really get irritated when someone takes on a project and then bows out at the last minute.
Thank you for keeping us all on our toes!
That peeve is definitely in my top three as well.
Right up there with “I’m so tired” and “I can’t afford it”.
Everone who has a LIFE is busy and tired, why even mention it? Its like talking about laundry, it’s always with you!
And as far as finances? The average person doesn’t need to know your business. Just say, as you so wisely mentioned, it’s not a priority at this time.
In all of these things, what is the goal? Self-importance, sympathy, pity? Move ON!
Napoleon is the best! I wasn’t going to comment because I really am too busy today, but I thought better of it. 🙂
-FringeGirl
I wish I was more like Kip! I could use a little more honesty from people and I should be more honest myself! It would save a lot of stress and trouble. I will not complain about how busy I am! Now, could someone please tell me where Kip got that GINORMOUS block o’cheese?