Some people complain about being too busy – they say that all their time is spent attending to important tasks that never seem to end, and they have no leisure. At the other end of the spectrum are those who idle all day: while some are content to do this, others wait or look for an opportunity to do something useful, as this gives them a sense of self-worth.
If one has to choose between these two fates, it is definitely better to have your hands full than to while away one’s days doing nothing. It is a blessing to be busy, but the blessing comes disguised as work, so we do not recognise it. It is only later when the work bears fruit that we look back and are grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the fruition.
Remaining busy in useful work is a good way to use one’s time and resources. One who is busy has a lot to do, which prompts them to manage their time efficiently and be more productive. They are also more likely to prioritize tasks and focus on getting things done.
Being busy with meaningful activities and responsibilities gives us a sense of purpose and direction. It helps us feel more engaged and fulfilled, leading to overall satisfaction and well-being. Completing tasks and achieving goals while being busy also brings a sense of accomplishment, which in turn boosts self-esteem and motivation.
Moreover, it is people who are dedicated and responsible who tend to be busy, because they are the ones entrusted with important tasks by others. This may often involve facing new challenges, which can provide opportunities for personal and professional growth in terms of learning new skills and expanding one’s knowledge.
There are subtler and more powerful benefits of being busy. When we use our time well, there is a sense of satisfaction, and no regret. Time, it is said, is money. In some ways it is more valuable than money: lost wealth can be recovered, but time that has passed never returns.
Saving time begins with saving our thoughts. If we have little or no control over our mind, we cannot use our time in the best possible manner. Unnecessary, unwanted, and negative thoughts consume our time without our knowledge. By the time we realise it, it is too late. To avoid this fate, it is essential to have enough mastery over the mind so that we think only as much as is necessary, at the right time, in the right manner. Besides costing us time and mental energy, uncontrolled thoughts can lead to depression, mania, unrestrained words, and trouble.
An idle mind is said to be the devil’s workshop, because it is there that wasteful and evil thoughts arise. But even the devil keeps his distance from one who is busy, because he knows he would be unwelcome.
This brings another benefit. Waste and negative thoughts consume our mental energy and weaken the soul. A mind that is engaged in work not only remains sharp and active, but is also strong as it is saved from wasteful expenditure of energy.
Not only that, work is the means by which we create our fortune. Diligence, it is said, is the mother of good luck. One who is productively busy is always creating their fortune. And those who are busy are never short of time, because time abides long enough for those who make good use of it.
B.K. Brij Mohan is Additional Secretary General of the Brahma Kumaris.