Most Productive When Distracted
"No one is too busy to text you how busy they are"
5/29/20263 min read
It’s actually kind of crazy how much writing I can get done when I am distracted with a bunch of other things. I knew I work best under pressure but this a whole new level. I think the more things I have on my to-do list, the more I can get done. Like, if it was a plate and the meal had ten different ingredients, I could eat all of it. But if it was only two things, suddenly I couldn't. I don’t know if that makes any sense. Basically, the more things I have going on, the better I function.
Anyways, I got to Bali and suddenly I became the best version of myself. I would wake up early before my friend, write, do Duolingo for an hour, find time to read, some days get coffee and breakfast. Sometimes even FaceTime another friend. Then when my friend woke up, we would get lunch, go to the beach, find a place for dinner, meet people, shop, and sometimes even go out.
I also started drinking alcohol again a little bit. I enjoyed it way more than I used to. I think I’m getting old. I much preferred the nights where we split a bottle of wine at a quieter bar over the nights with dancing, shots, and a hundred people screaming over each other.
I also carried out a very important sociological experiment on male generosity. Meaning, my friend and I went out and she challenged me to get us free drinks. At first, I thought it was a terrible idea. But a few drinks in, and after a lot of dancing, I found myself quite committed to the bit.
Also, it’s not like I lied to anyone. Every guy I talked to, I mentioned being a lesbian. It’s not my fault they all think they have it in them to change that. I exchanged one conversation and one kiss for two beers. I think that’s a fair price. If anything, I’m the one who was getting ripped off.
Overall, I had a lot going on, and somehow I was able to do all of it. Which is interesting because I actually don’t enjoy “being busy.” And I especially hate when people make being busy their entire personality.
The type you text and they respond three business days later with: “Sorry, I’ve just been SO busy.” Or you ask for a ten minute FaceTime and suddenly they sound like the CEO of a collapsing tech startup.
And maybe this is controversial, but I don’t fully believe in being busy. I think being busy is often a form of escapism. Like yes, obviously people can genuinely have a lot going on. But I also think some people fill every second of their life on purpose because then they never have to stop, think, sit alone with themselves, or just exist without distraction. I think I can call that out because I used to think it was so cool to not have a minute open in your schedule.
And I think some people genuinely enjoy telling others how busy they are. There’s almost something erotic about it to them. Like, “Oh my God, my schedule is insane. I don't have time to poop!” Okay. Congratulations? This doesn't get any sympathy from me.
Because at some point if you’re always too busy to answer texts, too busy to call your friends, too busy to see anyone — eventually people stop reaching out. And then one day you realize your packed schedule somehow left you completely alone.
I think I’m guilty of that too. Well, not anymore. But there was definitely a period in my life where I genuinely enjoyed having an overflowing calendar full of the most random bullshit events.
But this is neither here or there because the way I've been busy is a very balanced business. Sometimes my brain just goes on a rant for no reason.
Anyways that sums up my last week in Bali!