What to Say Instead of Im Busy - The Muse

What to Say Instead of Im Busy - The MuseWhat to Say Instead of Im Busy Our default answer to How are you? in the workplace is usually something along the lines of, Im stressed/busy/tired/overworked. Were being honest More than half of all working adults are so burnt out theyre worried its impacting their health. There are three problems with saying so, however. First, it loses its potency. Yeah, youre stressed, so what- you said that yesterday, and the week before, and the month before that. Second, saying youre stressed or busy actually makes you feel more stressed or busy. Third, weve created a cult of busy Theres a cultural expectation that, if youre not stressed or busy, youre slacking.So, lets stop it. The next time someone asks how youre doing (which will probably happen, oh, in the next two hours), dont complain about being swamped- especially if the question is coming from your boss or a colleague who you ultimately want to impress. Instead, choose from these five replies.1. Im having a productive day.If youre worried your co-workers or boss will assume you need more to do if you dont talk about your heavy workload, go for this response. Youre still implying you have a lot going on, but youre demonstrating that youre handling it. You also sound happy to be working and checking boxes on your to-do list, which everyone in the office will appreciate. Maybe youll even inspire them to give similarly upbeat responses to the same question.2. Im working on X project andSometimes youre not being productive. You might be stumped by a project, or you actually feel overwhelmed by how much you have to get done. In this case, putting a positive spin on the situation could hurt you. If the person who asks you how youre doing has the power to help, say, Im so glad youre checking in Im working on X problem and Id love your insight on/support with If he or she cant help, stick to, Im working on these X things. How are you?3. Im a little overloaded right now, but I expec t things to calm down in a week when X is done.This is especially good when you think someone might have ulterior motives in asking how you are (i.e., they want to know if you can help with more work). You definitely dont want to misrepresent your situation, but you dont want to sound like youre dodging work, either. Explain youre at full capacity right now but hint that the person could approach you again once things have calmed down. It makes you sound more on top of things than just a vague, panicked, Im so busy4. Ive got a lot to do, but Im excited for the results.This reply makes it difficult for whoever just asked you how you were doing not to get caught up in your energetic attitude. Youre acknowledging that youre occupied and simultaneously pointing out good things will come of it. Im busy or Im stressed is a complaint- this is a victory lap in advance. Bonus Projecting your future success will make you look more competent.5. Im stressed.Wait, isnt this what weve been harpin g on about not saying? Yup. In very rare occasions, you can use Im stressed/Im busy/Im tired/Im overworked- when theres no substitute for these expressions. Youre the founder of a startup and youve just pulled your fourth all-nighter in a week. Okay, youre busy and tired. Youre in charge of a new marketing campaign thats failing miserably. Okay, youre stressed. Youve been spending every weekend laboring on a project running behind schedule. Okay, youre overworked.By saving these statements for the fruchtwein extreme situations, people will actually take them seriously. You dont have to be Pollyanna all the time. Just, well, most of the time.Its hard to find a professional who doesnt feel stressed, busy, tired, or overworked. Dropping these responses from your vocabulary, except when theyre truly needed, will make you feel calmer and appear more capable. Win-win.Photo of busy bees courtesy of Shutterstock.