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Abstract

tion of what happens in your inner world. Reactions to inner judgments, beliefs, and opinions cause you to never stop and experience the present. Seneca often explains that when the present moment is unfulfilling, you may worry about the future. Make the most of the moment. Becoming preoccupied with seeking what you need elsewhere or in other things can cause you to lose the freedom of confidence you could otherwise have if you were fully present.<h2 id="fa5d">A Guiding Purpose</h2><blockquote id="f100">“When a person is rushing here or there and constantly attending to many matters, a day will never pass so smoothly that some irritation won’t arise from someone or something and prepare the mind for annoyance.” — Seneca</blockquote>An unstable mind is hard to maintain. Busyness is a waste of time. It can cloak what is truly important. Instead of doing what you want to do, you only complete what you stumble upon when you’re busy. Planning our lives and activities with a purpose is crucial. This does not mean you have to know everything ahead of time or that change cannot occur. It allows you to proceed with a mindset of knowing better rather than just knowing more. Significant projects in life require real mental focus not just completing everything on a checklist.<h2 id="54c3">Acceptance</h2><blockquote id="1f55">“Don’t wish things to h

Options

appen as you desire, but wish them to happen as they do. Then your life will flow smoothly.” — Seneca</blockquote>Control what you can control. Acceptance allows you to respond. Focusing entirely on the past or becoming preoccupied with the future dampens your problem-solving ability in the moment. While it is worthwhile to learn from your past and think about the second order effect of things, you only have control over the next moment. Similar to running a race, you can plan out your strategy ahead of time. However, the only way to get to the finish line is to pay attention to what is in front of you. Getting where you want to go requires focusing on the present.<h2 id="16ec">Conclusion</h2><blockquote id="9068">“Philosophy is not a trick to catch the public eye, nor is it devised for show. It’s not about words but actions.” — Seneca</blockquote>In times of constant busyness, philosophy can be a useful antidote. It requires reflection and appropriate action. Allowing you to live with greater intentionality and authenticity.The next time you’re feeling busy think about your purpose, be present, and accept what is.ReferencesFideler, D. R. (2022). Breakfast with Seneca : a Stoic guide to the art of living. W. W. Norton & Company.‌</article></body>

Why Busyness is the Greatest Obstacle to Living Fully

Photo by José Martín Ramírez Carrasco on Unsplash

“You’re always so busy.”

This can be worn like a badge of honor, but constant busyness leaves little time for rest or reflection.

Seneca said the greatest obstacle to living fully “is expectation, which depends on tomorrow and wastes today.” Busyness feels satisfying since rushing around makes you feel like you’re working hard. Busyness though may be more a reflection of the restlessness of an agitated mind. This clouds your judgment and disrupts your ability to enjoy what is right in front of you.

How can we avoid losing our inner selves in a flurry of busyness?

Present Moment

“It takes an entire lifetime to learn how to live.” — Seneca

Philosophical pursuits seem leisurely, but they can help you live a fulfilling life. It is hard to enjoy things when your mind is preoccupied. Busyness can be a real-world manifestation of what happens in your inner world. Reactions to inner judgments, beliefs, and opinions cause you to never stop and experience the present. Seneca often explains that when the present moment is unfulfilling, you may worry about the future. Make the most of the moment. Becoming preoccupied with seeking what you need elsewhere or in other things can cause you to lose the freedom of confidence you could otherwise have if you were fully present.

A Guiding Purpose

“When a person is rushing here or there and constantly attending to many matters, a day will never pass so smoothly that some irritation won’t arise from someone or something and prepare the mind for annoyance.” — Seneca

An unstable mind is hard to maintain. Busyness is a waste of time. It can cloak what is truly important. Instead of doing what you want to do, you only complete what you stumble upon when you’re busy. Planning our lives and activities with a purpose is crucial. This does not mean you have to know everything ahead of time or that change cannot occur. It allows you to proceed with a mindset of knowing better rather than just knowing more. Significant projects in life require real mental focus not just completing everything on a checklist.

Acceptance

“Don’t wish things to happen as you desire, but wish them to happen as they do. Then your life will flow smoothly.” — Seneca

Control what you can control. Acceptance allows you to respond. Focusing entirely on the past or becoming preoccupied with the future dampens your problem-solving ability in the moment. While it is worthwhile to learn from your past and think about the second order effect of things, you only have control over the next moment. Similar to running a race, you can plan out your strategy ahead of time. However, the only way to get to the finish line is to pay attention to what is in front of you. Getting where you want to go requires focusing on the present.

Conclusion

“Philosophy is not a trick to catch the public eye, nor is it devised for show. It’s not about words but actions.” — Seneca

In times of constant busyness, philosophy can be a useful antidote. It requires reflection and appropriate action. Allowing you to live with greater intentionality and authenticity.

The next time you’re feeling busy think about your purpose, be present, and accept what is.

References

Fideler, D. R. (2022). Breakfast with Seneca : a Stoic guide to the art of living. W. W. Norton & Company.

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