Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less

by Peggy Sullivan

Busy is not better. Break the cycle of "just getting stuff done."

If you're feeling unfulfilled at the end of each day because you are busy but never seem to have time for what truly matters (a phenomenon called time poverty), you're not alone.

As a recovering "busyness addict," corporate performance expert Peggy Sullivan's struggle with the cycle of burnout and anxiety--leading to divorce, two totaled cars, a heart attack, and even accidentally eating cat food--led her on a quest for life outside busy . . . a sweet spot where productivity, happiness, and self-care can coexist.

Her search led her to create a transformative framework for taking back control of your time and your life that has helped individuals, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies such as Google, Bank of America, and Blue Cross Blue Shield get their employees off the busy treadmill and align their time and work with what's truly important.

Grounded in deep research, including the results of a first-of-its-kind 2023 Busy Report, her three-step Busy-Busting Process has been proven to eliminate unintentional busyness, ignite the power of happiness, and unlock a more meaningful life.

Beyond Busyness provides a simple, data-backed, and actionable approach to balancing peak performance, self-care, and happiness without sacrificing one for the other.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nearly everyone you speak to might mention being busy. There are constantly things that need to be done, and many of them feel more like chores and obligations than fun things the individual actually looks forward to doing. Are things meant to be that way? Is there a path that can lead you away from such an existence?

There is, and the author lays it out in detail in this informative, refreshing nonfiction book. Written with humor and a deep sense of empathy for the human condition, the tips in this handy guide can get you away from a life of obligation and introduce you to one that is much more tailored to your search for happiness and contentment.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I love the wake up call message it has, this thing about working and not liking or enjoying or feeling real fulfillment that although it can be though sometimes, there has to be a positive motive under all the work.

I like that the author mixes humor and also she shares honest feelings about this topic and to help prioritize what truly matters.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Busyness by Peggy Sullivan is a transformative book. What I liked most about the book are the clear and practical strategies given to the reader to be more productive without sacrificing mental health or well-being. This reading definitely gives us the necessary tools to eliminate unnecessary busyness, and learn to unlock a life with greater meaning and well-being. Recommended reading.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think of Peggy, only one word comes to mind... dynamo. This woman is nothing short of spectacular. Anytime she imparts little bits of her wisdom is a good day in my book. I cannot recommend this book enough.