We all do it on occasion. Sometimes we fool even ourselves, we’re so good at pretending to be busy — and independent consultants are especially vulnerable.
It can be a form of procrastination (as in the illustration above). Or perhaps we just can’t find the muse that day — the brain juices simply aren’t flowing for some reason. Sometimes we feel a little guilty if we don’t have enough client work, and busying ourselves with non-essential tasks helps fill the void.
If you find yourself losing track of time as you mosey aimlessly around the Web, ask yourself: could I take a walk? Endulge in a guilty pleasure? Pick up the phone and call an old friend? Getting away from the computer can be the best way to jump start your productivity.
Just remember: there is no glory in working for the sake of working. Take time for some amusement, and you’ll be more efficient when you have actual work to do. So have fun out there!
What do you do when you find yourself pretending to be busy? Any tips for clearing the cobwebs?
This post was originally published in 2009. Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.
