There is a fly buzzing around the office that drives everyone crazy. It has no purpose, direction, or focus. It just flits around, acting like it has important things to do. You see, the fly has this belief that, because it is busy, it is accomplishing things. It’s doing good stuff. Because it’s always moving, it feels that progress is being made. So there’s no time to slow down.

Does this sound like you on some days? Doing something just because it’s next in the queue. No thought as to what it is, why it matters or how to do it better. Not asking for any additional information other than to simply complete the task and move on.

You may not realize it, but for everyone you work with, your busyness has an adverse effect on them. When everything is urgent, they become confused and frustrated. They lose their confidence in you and themselves. Their sense of priority and good judgment are lost as well. They are trying to figure you out and consequently do things that seem crazy to you. Listen up: YOU’RE BUSYNESS ISN’T HELPING.

This time of year, things naturally get hectic—lots to do and little time to do them. But don’t allow yourself be seduced by frenetic action at any cost. Be purposeful. Be focused. Attend to the things that are important. Take time to get a bigger picture view and set your priorities, time and energy to the things that REALLY matter.

This Monday morning, look at the queue. Ask questions. Get your bearings. Know where you’re going and what you want to accomplish by the end of today and the week. It’s the only way to prevent yourself from buzzing around aimlessly, appearing to be productive when in reality you’re only busy. Like a fly.