What do you think?
Rate this book
Breaking Busy: How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy
Have you ever felt like a fraud or failure as you struggle to find balance in life? Do you find yourself juggling everything in mediocrity and feeling like you’re succeeding at very little? In her no-nonsense way, Alli Worthington tackles the big questions about finding happiness and one’s God-given purpose.
Breaking Busy marries popular secular research from the fields of social and positive psychology with solid biblical principles, instilling listeners with the confidence that they, too, can move from crazy busy to confident calm. With refreshing candor, uproarious true stories, and a Christian worldview, Alli delivers truths that dismantle common happiness myths. Then she empowers listeners to get unstuck, to let go of the good to make way for the great, to know themselves and their Creator, and ultimately to find peace and purpose in this world of crazy.
Learn how to stop chasing what leaves you empty and start doing what you were created to do. Identify the common lies you believe and how to strip their power from your life. Recognize how what you say no to determines what you can say yes to. With relatable anecdotes, Alli models for listeners real-life guidance on boundaries, relationships, and self-care, humbly examining her own mistakes and walking them through how she learned from her missteps and found peace in a world of busyness.
If you long to find real connection in an age of over-connectedness, with both your loved ones and your Creator, Alli Worthington deftly balances intelligent humility and heartwarming humor to help you rediscover your path.
Breaking Busy marries popular secular research from the fields of social and positive psychology with solid biblical principles, instilling listeners with the confidence that they, too, can move from crazy busy to confident calm. With refreshing candor, uproarious true stories, and a Christian worldview, Alli delivers truths that dismantle common happiness myths. Then she empowers listeners to get unstuck, to let go of the good to make way for the great, to know themselves and their Creator, and ultimately to find peace and purpose in this world of crazy.
Learn how to stop chasing what leaves you empty and start doing what you were created to do. Identify the common lies you believe and how to strip their power from your life. Recognize how what you say no to determines what you can say yes to. With relatable anecdotes, Alli models for listeners real-life guidance on boundaries, relationships, and self-care, humbly examining her own mistakes and walking them through how she learned from her missteps and found peace in a world of busyness.
If you long to find real connection in an age of over-connectedness, with both your loved ones and your Creator, Alli Worthington deftly balances intelligent humility and heartwarming humor to help you rediscover your path.
Audio CD
First published January 26, 2016
188 people are currently reading
2541 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
January 7, 2016
For me, Breaking Busy isn’t about running out and purchasing a day planner or de-cluttering my desk.
It’s about my inner life; finding those things that make me stop and asking God to step in because I
trust Him to light every day!
It’s about my inner life; finding those things that make me stop and asking God to step in because I
trust Him to light every day!
January 27, 2016
We love to be busy. It is intoxicating, making us feel we are important. But what if we are so busy we are missing God's best for us?
Worthington writes about her own experience when she and her husband realized they were too busy. They were doing good things, things people needed help with. She also realized they had exceeded their capacity limit.
She helps us identify the signs of being crazy busy, such as out-of-control emotions and lack of self-care. She helps us understand and embrace our limits and what life looks like when we are where God designed us to be. She shares the importance of a relationship with God and how to cultivate it. She helps us develop a life centered on our passions and gifts.
Worthington has great insights into how God directs our lives. She gives good strategies for dealing with breaking that being busy habit, such as overcoming negative thoughts. She includes great ideas for setting boundaries on our time and for making good decisions. I was surprised but pleased that she gives us permission to disappoint people. She also explores good, clear, and honest communication and has lots of good ideas to develop it. The teaching I appreciated most was how to deal with low self-esteem or worth when those are based on our being busy.
I really appreciate Worthington's book. Hers is not a wonderful success story of having it all together. She shares her struggles with anxiety and wrong thinking. She shares lessons learned, like being busy or trying to keep up with the Jones will never bring us the peace we can only find in our relationship with God. (45)
No matter where you are on the road of breaking busy, this is a good book to read. You'll be confronted with the signs of being too busy and you'll have suggestions as to how to deal with it. She gives you the good news that you do not have to live in the world of crazy busy. There is hope and reading this book will get you on the way to that sweet spot of living the life God designed.
Food for thought: “Staying connected to God is what keeps me operating within my capacity and what helps me understand that God made me with limitations on purpose.” (32)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Worthington writes about her own experience when she and her husband realized they were too busy. They were doing good things, things people needed help with. She also realized they had exceeded their capacity limit.
She helps us identify the signs of being crazy busy, such as out-of-control emotions and lack of self-care. She helps us understand and embrace our limits and what life looks like when we are where God designed us to be. She shares the importance of a relationship with God and how to cultivate it. She helps us develop a life centered on our passions and gifts.
Worthington has great insights into how God directs our lives. She gives good strategies for dealing with breaking that being busy habit, such as overcoming negative thoughts. She includes great ideas for setting boundaries on our time and for making good decisions. I was surprised but pleased that she gives us permission to disappoint people. She also explores good, clear, and honest communication and has lots of good ideas to develop it. The teaching I appreciated most was how to deal with low self-esteem or worth when those are based on our being busy.
I really appreciate Worthington's book. Hers is not a wonderful success story of having it all together. She shares her struggles with anxiety and wrong thinking. She shares lessons learned, like being busy or trying to keep up with the Jones will never bring us the peace we can only find in our relationship with God. (45)
No matter where you are on the road of breaking busy, this is a good book to read. You'll be confronted with the signs of being too busy and you'll have suggestions as to how to deal with it. She gives you the good news that you do not have to live in the world of crazy busy. There is hope and reading this book will get you on the way to that sweet spot of living the life God designed.
Food for thought: “Staying connected to God is what keeps me operating within my capacity and what helps me understand that God made me with limitations on purpose.” (32)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
September 24, 2017
I'm surprised with the large number of positive reviews. The author provides some good tips on making sound decisions, controlling one's time and making course corrections in your life, all with a good biblical foundation to support her arguments. However, much of the book is about the author's life and her challenges in setting up a business, leaving behind successful start-ups and taking a leap of faith into new adventures. If you don't know the author or have read her blogs, then her story at times seems narcissistic, as she describes in length the emotions she was facing (with an abundance of "I"), despite the occasional references to God's engagement and attempts to show humility. While this deep dive into the author's emotional state during a time of change may appeal to some readers, I found it distracting and not what I wanted to learn from the book. She has obviously been blessed by God and is living out her passion for life coaching. I think the excessive focus on herself could have been edited down and strengthened the book towards being a helpful life manual for the reader.
August 29, 2019
A good review of principles for breaking the cycle of crazy busy. Encouraging and helpful. Good action points in each chapter.
February 3, 2023
This book sat on my shelf for about 5 years. I packed it in a move to a new state and sat it on my new shelves.
And this week I picked it up. I wasn’t ready for the message 5 years ago, but right now I soaked it up like a dry sponge. Don’t worry about those books on your shelf that you haven’t read yet - maybe a time is coming when you’ll more readily hear the message.
I really loved this book - we don’t have to live busy lives. We can live full lives instead.
The chapter on making decisions was so perfect for me as that seems to be something I struggle with lately. I liked her five step process for big choices and how to make smaller choices quickly.
I loved reading her story of losing her home and all the things she thought important - because I related to it so well. But God. God has plans - and it’s not for us to live life caught up in our busyness. We can break it.
Good practical tips and advice. All rooted in scripture. Highly recommend.
And this week I picked it up. I wasn’t ready for the message 5 years ago, but right now I soaked it up like a dry sponge. Don’t worry about those books on your shelf that you haven’t read yet - maybe a time is coming when you’ll more readily hear the message.
I really loved this book - we don’t have to live busy lives. We can live full lives instead.
The chapter on making decisions was so perfect for me as that seems to be something I struggle with lately. I liked her five step process for big choices and how to make smaller choices quickly.
I loved reading her story of losing her home and all the things she thought important - because I related to it so well. But God. God has plans - and it’s not for us to live life caught up in our busyness. We can break it.
Good practical tips and advice. All rooted in scripture. Highly recommend.
April 6, 2016
In the first chapter of Breaking Busy, Alli Worthington describes her breaking point - convinced she'd lost her iPhone in a taxi after a 2 a.m. wakeup call, she borrowed another person's phone in a busy airport only to be answered by her ringing bra. For Alli, that moment was a clear sign that she'd met her capacity in our crazy busy world. As she explains, many of us are serving at the altar of "busy" without really knowing why, all the while sacrificing our emotional control, self-care, mental, physical, and spiritual health, and important relationships. To begin "breaking busy," Alli encourages us to identify our season of life (something Jen Hatmaker also recommended in For the Love), our stress points, and why we're so driven to exceed our capacities - pride, guilt, perfectionism, or the drive to "get ahead."
Through her own experiences, Alli explains how to edit one's time and responsibilities and overcome the pressure to be "all things to all people." When God called on her to quit the conference she'd built through years of hard work, she resisted at first, then became angry when her next opportunity wasn't immediately clear. Her worries about the future and the pressure to be perfect kept her from enjoying the opportunities her obedience opened up. The book is full of practical action steps grounded in the gospel and in scientific research to help readers make decisions that will free us from the "altar of busy."
This year, I've been focused on slowing down and focusing on routines that make my life healthier and more peaceful. I think that's why I was drawn to Jen Hatmaker's For the Love and to Breaking Busy. I've highlighted and starred this quote from Alli Worthington: "Just because we live in a world of seemingly endless expectations doesn't mean we have to live up to them." I think that quote perfectly sums up the message I took away from both of these books.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from the publishers through the BookLook Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Through her own experiences, Alli explains how to edit one's time and responsibilities and overcome the pressure to be "all things to all people." When God called on her to quit the conference she'd built through years of hard work, she resisted at first, then became angry when her next opportunity wasn't immediately clear. Her worries about the future and the pressure to be perfect kept her from enjoying the opportunities her obedience opened up. The book is full of practical action steps grounded in the gospel and in scientific research to help readers make decisions that will free us from the "altar of busy."
This year, I've been focused on slowing down and focusing on routines that make my life healthier and more peaceful. I think that's why I was drawn to Jen Hatmaker's For the Love and to Breaking Busy. I've highlighted and starred this quote from Alli Worthington: "Just because we live in a world of seemingly endless expectations doesn't mean we have to live up to them." I think that quote perfectly sums up the message I took away from both of these books.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from the publishers through the BookLook Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 16, 2017
This book called my name because I’m way too busy. How about you? Do you struggle with the rat race, and feeling like you have lost your peace and purpose?
I laughed out loud at the opening story. I’m not going to give it away, but the rush of endorphins from that belly laugh hooked me hard. I felt like I was chatting with a funny, wise girlfriend.
Alli Worthington puts her finger right on all the ways we run ourselves ragged with too many commitments which don’t even promote happiness. We often agree to new projects out of a sense of social obligation, not out of a calling to serve. I nodded my head so often while reading.
Alli weaves in her personal story so beautifully. She doesn’t hide her flaws and mistakes, even though she is a well-accomplished leader and businesswoman. She is gentle and kind in her suggestions to change your schedule and reevaluate your priorities. It’s even better that she speaks from a biblical worldview.
Two takeaways have already helped me since I finished this book a few days ago. She shared her experience of hearing from the Lord while reading Psalm 23. I felt God speaking to me in the same way He spoke to her through that psalm. Also, she talked about communication styles: I am an overtalker, according to her definition. I was more aware of my tendency to overtalk at two events this weekend, and my awareness created more peace.
So many practical tips are shared in this book, in a warm, friendly manner. I recommend it to the many women reading today all caught up in the trap of BUSY.
I laughed out loud at the opening story. I’m not going to give it away, but the rush of endorphins from that belly laugh hooked me hard. I felt like I was chatting with a funny, wise girlfriend.
Alli Worthington puts her finger right on all the ways we run ourselves ragged with too many commitments which don’t even promote happiness. We often agree to new projects out of a sense of social obligation, not out of a calling to serve. I nodded my head so often while reading.
Alli weaves in her personal story so beautifully. She doesn’t hide her flaws and mistakes, even though she is a well-accomplished leader and businesswoman. She is gentle and kind in her suggestions to change your schedule and reevaluate your priorities. It’s even better that she speaks from a biblical worldview.
Two takeaways have already helped me since I finished this book a few days ago. She shared her experience of hearing from the Lord while reading Psalm 23. I felt God speaking to me in the same way He spoke to her through that psalm. Also, she talked about communication styles: I am an overtalker, according to her definition. I was more aware of my tendency to overtalk at two events this weekend, and my awareness created more peace.
So many practical tips are shared in this book, in a warm, friendly manner. I recommend it to the many women reading today all caught up in the trap of BUSY.
February 25, 2016
I enjoyed the personal aspect of this story- as Alli shares some of her struggles and decision making techniques in light of battling priorities competing for time. Here's something different I noticed about this book: Alli shares that she hears the voice of God audibly speak to her several times when she is at a crossroads. Not everyone hears God in this way, but I have had that happen and I appreciate she shares this. The chapter on decision making was my favorite one, but I also could really relate to the one on "Editing".
A few good quotes to remember:
- God sometimes calls us to edit out something good in our lives to make room for something great.
- Every fruitful life goes trough a process of editing, where some parts of our lives are carved out, trimmed away, or rearranged to make room for better ones. Sometimes we initiate the editing. Other times, God steps in more directly to command us to edit.
- There's always a tradeoff. Before God can bring his promises to pass in your life, he has to strip away all the stuff that keeps you from trusting him wholeheartedly. And that stuff is on the inside. God's invisible work in you prepares you for his visible works through you. - quoted from Steven Furtick
A few good quotes to remember:
- God sometimes calls us to edit out something good in our lives to make room for something great.
- Every fruitful life goes trough a process of editing, where some parts of our lives are carved out, trimmed away, or rearranged to make room for better ones. Sometimes we initiate the editing. Other times, God steps in more directly to command us to edit.
- There's always a tradeoff. Before God can bring his promises to pass in your life, he has to strip away all the stuff that keeps you from trusting him wholeheartedly. And that stuff is on the inside. God's invisible work in you prepares you for his visible works through you. - quoted from Steven Furtick
March 22, 2017
I got this book along with a bunch of others during a Kindle book sale. I'd read anything for 1.99, right? And I'm busy just like the next guy, so this book could be helpful.
Not far into it though, it became rather clear that the target audience was exclusively women. There was basically a point where the author said something like, "husbands! Am I right ladies?" That's when I was done.
So if you're a woman and you're busy, this seems like a really good book.
Its kind of a shame. A slight shift in wording could have led to a greater audience. It is not like time management and being busy are exclusively female issues. In the Christian world of publishing, there are books by male authors targeted to men. But there are plenty of books by men, and women, that are for everyone. I am sure some of those male authors do write in such a way that sounds exclusionary to women. So who knows, maybe my disappointment with this book is my male privilege talking. Though I did scan through the first 60 or so reviews on Goodreads and only found one other male who read it, so it seems this book does have a limited audience.
At any rate, if you're a woman and busy, seriously, might as well check this one out.
Not far into it though, it became rather clear that the target audience was exclusively women. There was basically a point where the author said something like, "husbands! Am I right ladies?" That's when I was done.
So if you're a woman and you're busy, this seems like a really good book.
Its kind of a shame. A slight shift in wording could have led to a greater audience. It is not like time management and being busy are exclusively female issues. In the Christian world of publishing, there are books by male authors targeted to men. But there are plenty of books by men, and women, that are for everyone. I am sure some of those male authors do write in such a way that sounds exclusionary to women. So who knows, maybe my disappointment with this book is my male privilege talking. Though I did scan through the first 60 or so reviews on Goodreads and only found one other male who read it, so it seems this book does have a limited audience.
At any rate, if you're a woman and busy, seriously, might as well check this one out.
March 28, 2016
In Breaking Busy: How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy, Alli Worthington shares her journey to “break busy.”
She talks about how God helped her stop striving so much and learn instead to rest in Him and trust Him with her life. The book is broken down into chapters that focus on certain areas in our lives where busyness can attack…areas like:
-Relationships
-Thoughts
-Time
-Family Traditions
-Communication
-Decisions
-And More
She ends the book by explaining the reason we so often stay busy: “Much of the busyness we have in life is because we are always striving to feel better, to feel like we matter, to feel we have worth.” (200)
True, right? We spend so much time trying to feel better or look better that we fail to realize the worth we already hold.
If you’re struggling on the “rat race” of life, this book will certainly help you find clarity.
*I received this book for free for review but all opinions are my own.
She talks about how God helped her stop striving so much and learn instead to rest in Him and trust Him with her life. The book is broken down into chapters that focus on certain areas in our lives where busyness can attack…areas like:
-Relationships
-Thoughts
-Time
-Family Traditions
-Communication
-Decisions
-And More
She ends the book by explaining the reason we so often stay busy: “Much of the busyness we have in life is because we are always striving to feel better, to feel like we matter, to feel we have worth.” (200)
True, right? We spend so much time trying to feel better or look better that we fail to realize the worth we already hold.
If you’re struggling on the “rat race” of life, this book will certainly help you find clarity.
*I received this book for free for review but all opinions are my own.
May 27, 2016
Do you ever hear about a book and think, 'Oh, that sounds good. If I ever come across it...' and then you come across it soon after? Like, that same day?
That was me with Breaking Busy. Some things are just too perfectly timed to be coincidental. I needed Breaking Busy in my life, and if you are a busy woman, I suspect you might too.
Alli Worthington is a woman who knows about busy...something that becomes evidently clear as she tells her story as an entrepreneur and mother of 5 boys. However, she also knows about finding peace in God and the joy of doing what you are designed to do. I love Breaking Busy because it is full of Alli's personal experiences and challenges. It echoes the stress of everyday life and the need to always be doing, without always being fulfilled.
The tagline really says it all. This is a book about "how to find peace and purpose in a world of crazy" and it is well, well worth the time to read and consider.
That was me with Breaking Busy. Some things are just too perfectly timed to be coincidental. I needed Breaking Busy in my life, and if you are a busy woman, I suspect you might too.
Alli Worthington is a woman who knows about busy...something that becomes evidently clear as she tells her story as an entrepreneur and mother of 5 boys. However, she also knows about finding peace in God and the joy of doing what you are designed to do. I love Breaking Busy because it is full of Alli's personal experiences and challenges. It echoes the stress of everyday life and the need to always be doing, without always being fulfilled.
The tagline really says it all. This is a book about "how to find peace and purpose in a world of crazy" and it is well, well worth the time to read and consider.
April 19, 2018
I didn't realize how much I needed this book when I started it. I highlighted a good bit and Alli came in with such a fresh perspective on 'breaking busy.' The chapter on communication really provoked a lot of thought.
"Crazy busy is a life without peace. It’s marked by decisions made for the approval of the world, not the approval of God."
"I want to be sure we never confuse a busy life with a full life. To me, a busy life is frazzled, harried, lived at a pace I’m not meant to live, doing things I’m not meant to do. A busy life is a life the Enemy has created in order to keep me from God’s purpose. A full life, on the other hand, is a life lived in step with what God has called me to do. I like how Jesus said it in John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
"Crazy busy is a life without peace. It’s marked by decisions made for the approval of the world, not the approval of God."
"I want to be sure we never confuse a busy life with a full life. To me, a busy life is frazzled, harried, lived at a pace I’m not meant to live, doing things I’m not meant to do. A busy life is a life the Enemy has created in order to keep me from God’s purpose. A full life, on the other hand, is a life lived in step with what God has called me to do. I like how Jesus said it in John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
December 18, 2015
I liked this book - 3.5 stars out of 5. However, I've read a number of these books related to making good choices, personal work/life balance, etc., and this one didn't provide me with any significant "a-ha" moments. I would recommend this to others, however who are new to this genre of material, especially if looking for a Christian approach to the topic. (NOTE I received a copy of this book for free as part of the book launch group.)
November 25, 2016
It took me a while to break busy and actually read this gem! Loved it! The author is very Christian and relies on prayer and following inspiration she receives. Inspirational and enjoyable. A good reminder to let go of things that are urgent-but-unimportant, and live the life you are meant to live.
March 31, 2017
This book is exactly what our hustling hearts need. While I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the last half, Alli does a great job of blending scripture with real stories and advice. I still believe the chapter Editing was created for me. Just saying.
April 22, 2018
There is so much more to this book than the title suggests. It isn't about time management. It's about hearing from God about what is important in your life and living beyond fear. This book encouraged and inspired me.
October 19, 2018
This book was really enjoyable with a lot of good tips for slowing down your life, so that you can hear from God.
May 15, 2020
Oh, goodness. Alli's southern sweetness charmed itself into my thoughts once again. I mean, this is one of those topics where we tend to read more because we're desperate to do less, but then we realize the cost of actually forcing ourselves to slow down. I love that Alli tackles not just the traditional decluttering high points, but gets into relationships, calling, thoughts, family traditions, and even communications. And she kindly includes Action Steps at the end of each chapter to make sure we didn't get so caught up in her stories that we forget the point of us reading the book in the first place. Yes, this is a book that should be read and acted upon, then once those things become habit, read again.
February 15, 2016
Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy
There are times when our kids surprise us — or even surpass us — with their insight. This was certainly the case with my youngest son:
“It’s too much,” he said. “I’ve got all this music to learn for honors band. I’m buying a sheep. I want to work with Cyprus (his 4-H heifer). I’m not going to audition for the play.”
Alli Worthington would call that moment of clarity an edit — a proactive edit: making a change in advance, before things get out of control. Breaking Busy is Alli’s invitation to hop out of the hamster wheel, an important read for grown ups (like me) who have yet to learn our limits.
For instance, are you displaying any of these signs of exceeding your capacity?
•Inability to control your emotions
•Lack of self-care
•Illness
•Chronic lateness
•Self-medicating and excess
•Neglecting important relationships
•Neglecting God
Help is offered at the end of each chapter with Action Steps in the form of questions to ponder and apply to the process of breaking the habit of busy.
However, real and lasting change is more than simply doing less. It’s about doing the things that nurture strong relationships, that help us to zero in on our unque calling in a world with too many options. Breaking the addiction to busy is a choice to live in peace and to focus on what is true and what is positive, (Philippians 4:8).
Breaking Busy involves tempering our own expectations and those of our family so that we can live with ourselves and accomplish the things that bring the most joy, the things that encourage our loved ones to purposefully follow Jesus.
A favorite quote from Breaking Busy comes from Brene Brown:
“Choose discomfort over resentment.”
The momentary awkwardness of a gracious no is far better than the long term knot in my stomach that comes with a misplaced yes. The question that remains, however, is this: how does one make good decisions about the distribution of those precious yeses to the waiting world? Alli has developed a decision-making framework which is available here (with all kinds of other resources and goodies), and consists of the Five F’s of eliminating “analysis paralysis.”
1. Faith – Seek wisdom from God.
2.Family – How will this decision effect those closest to you?
3.Future – Will this choice lead you to who you want to become?
4.Fulfillment – Does this fit in with your calling and help you realize your goals?
5.Friends – Seek counsel from those who have earned the right to speak into your life.
Healthy and effective communication skills are also key to breaking busy. This includes not letting your phone be the boss of you and excusing all loved ones from the responsibility for reading your mind.
We perpetuate the lifestyle of “busy,” because we think we have something to prove to ourselves and to the world.
“See how important I am?”
“See how much I am needed?”
Breaking Busy is a call to slow down, to find self-worth in doing only what we can accomplish with grace and in the will of God.
The choice is clear: a busy life (of frazzled and crazy) — OR a full life, the life God has called you to.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” John 10:10.
This book was provided by Zondervan through the BookLookBloggers program, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
There are times when our kids surprise us — or even surpass us — with their insight. This was certainly the case with my youngest son:
“It’s too much,” he said. “I’ve got all this music to learn for honors band. I’m buying a sheep. I want to work with Cyprus (his 4-H heifer). I’m not going to audition for the play.”
Alli Worthington would call that moment of clarity an edit — a proactive edit: making a change in advance, before things get out of control. Breaking Busy is Alli’s invitation to hop out of the hamster wheel, an important read for grown ups (like me) who have yet to learn our limits.
For instance, are you displaying any of these signs of exceeding your capacity?
•Inability to control your emotions
•Lack of self-care
•Illness
•Chronic lateness
•Self-medicating and excess
•Neglecting important relationships
•Neglecting God
Help is offered at the end of each chapter with Action Steps in the form of questions to ponder and apply to the process of breaking the habit of busy.
However, real and lasting change is more than simply doing less. It’s about doing the things that nurture strong relationships, that help us to zero in on our unque calling in a world with too many options. Breaking the addiction to busy is a choice to live in peace and to focus on what is true and what is positive, (Philippians 4:8).
Breaking Busy involves tempering our own expectations and those of our family so that we can live with ourselves and accomplish the things that bring the most joy, the things that encourage our loved ones to purposefully follow Jesus.
A favorite quote from Breaking Busy comes from Brene Brown:
“Choose discomfort over resentment.”
The momentary awkwardness of a gracious no is far better than the long term knot in my stomach that comes with a misplaced yes. The question that remains, however, is this: how does one make good decisions about the distribution of those precious yeses to the waiting world? Alli has developed a decision-making framework which is available here (with all kinds of other resources and goodies), and consists of the Five F’s of eliminating “analysis paralysis.”
1. Faith – Seek wisdom from God.
2.Family – How will this decision effect those closest to you?
3.Future – Will this choice lead you to who you want to become?
4.Fulfillment – Does this fit in with your calling and help you realize your goals?
5.Friends – Seek counsel from those who have earned the right to speak into your life.
Healthy and effective communication skills are also key to breaking busy. This includes not letting your phone be the boss of you and excusing all loved ones from the responsibility for reading your mind.
We perpetuate the lifestyle of “busy,” because we think we have something to prove to ourselves and to the world.
“See how important I am?”
“See how much I am needed?”
Breaking Busy is a call to slow down, to find self-worth in doing only what we can accomplish with grace and in the will of God.
The choice is clear: a busy life (of frazzled and crazy) — OR a full life, the life God has called you to.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” John 10:10.
This book was provided by Zondervan through the BookLookBloggers program, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 12, 2019
A must read for everyone who has ever said “I’m too busy!”
January 27, 2016
I signed up to launch Breaking Busy by Alli Worthington to be busy.
And “finding your purpose in a world full of crazy” caught my attention.
I didn’t expect to learn so much about myself. About capacity. The signs of over capacity – like anger/fear over not being able to meet my demand. Such as not posting enough blurbs about this book on my blog, Instagram, other social media outlets.
I’ve posted nothing on the blog about this book. I wanted to take myself less seriously (as I do with most things) with this, but as Alli says, out of control emotions often reflects the out-of-control commands we place on ourselves. My thoughts didn’t relent, as I’m sure most people experience when demands on self are too high.
Who here is carrying out-of-control demands on themselves thanks to themselves? Yes, me, I’m looking at you.
The other major point I took is from the final chapter on worth. If you’ve read my blog for any length time, you know how easily I beat myself up over things. We’ve all done it.
Past mistakes.
Seeming failures.
Letting someone down.
They’re always looming in the back of the mind.
Alli talks a lot about the armor of God in this chapter. I’ve always envisioned this as a night writing in and saving me. Clearly my my perception on God is off, if I don’t believe I’m allowed to wear the armor.
But the meaning is deeper: taking up his Word upon myself.
So when he says, do not be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen and hold you up with my victorious right hand, I must believe. I’ve learned while reading this book there is an enemy who would like nothing more than to see my joy.
No matter how small in the last few weeks, he has found a way to make me believe the lies:
You are invisible.
You should hurry up and figure out your life.
You are weak.
Needy.
Stuck.
It has been hard to put to these lies out of my brain. To not explode on those who love me. Or sit in silence, feeling anxiety making my palms sweaty. Or cry out of confusion.
Breaking Busy came in my life when I’ve convinced myself I need to strive. I cannot take myself lightly. I need to prove myself or I will not be acceptable.
Before reading this book, I never understood how much I fight against others or myself. How I don’t listen to what comes out of my own mouth & take what other’s say as condemnation, rather than: I love you. I think you’d be good at this.”
My fight isn’t against anyone, but the forces of darkness in the heavenly places. And my worth has nothing to do with me or anyone else, but Jesus.
He calls me by name. I am his.
He comes to me, My daughter, you’ve always had me. Come inside–and like the older brother, I stand, unsure.
The look in his eyes I imagine say:
I make you worthy.
To believe this is to break busy.
The way Alli tells her story, through humor, honesty, and practical tips: the five Fs of decision making from simple to life-changing; to the types of communicators we are, make this book relatable to anyone.
If you struggle with over-capacity, making decisions, your thought patterns, or the serpent of shame, this book is worth the read.
And we can stop wringing our hands together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2016
This book exceeded my expectations! I thought it was just going to be another book about not being busy in this era of extreme business. While it was that, it was also about the enormous effect the Holy Spirit has (or should have!) on our need to feel busy. I was not expecting it to be such a "Christian" book, and I loved that it was. :) She really encourages you to "seek God first, then all these things shall be added."
So, she touches a LOT on the spiritual side of things, but she also offers so much practical applications! Like, steps to take and everything! So. good. How to make decisions when you're faced with an opportunity, how to deal with technology, how to change your thinking, etc.
Breaking Busy is only a little over 200 pages and took me just a few days to read, but it really packs a punch!
This book was perfect timing for me; I've been feeling a bit too busy lately and this book was the inspiration I needed to see things more clearly.
A few of my fave quotes from the book:
"...I think as women we've convinced ourselves that being busy is a badge of honor."
"But social networking, texting, and phones, all designed to allow us to communicate more freely with one another, have become anything but freeing. People believe they have constant access to us, blurring all sense of appropriate boundaries..."
"The pull of the electronic tether on our lives is strong and has done more to hurt communication, real honest-to-goodness communication, than I think most of us realize."
Guilt, that sense of conviction that comes over us when we do something wrong, is healthy and moves us toward positive change. Shame, however, drives us into a never-ending cycle of trying to fix ourselves, to prove to the world and ourselves that we are not inherently flawed, that we have value. ... Jesus's redemptive love, his saving grace and his forgiveness are what make us worthy.
I highly recommend this book!
So, she touches a LOT on the spiritual side of things, but she also offers so much practical applications! Like, steps to take and everything! So. good. How to make decisions when you're faced with an opportunity, how to deal with technology, how to change your thinking, etc.
Breaking Busy is only a little over 200 pages and took me just a few days to read, but it really packs a punch!
This book was perfect timing for me; I've been feeling a bit too busy lately and this book was the inspiration I needed to see things more clearly.
A few of my fave quotes from the book:
"...I think as women we've convinced ourselves that being busy is a badge of honor."
"But social networking, texting, and phones, all designed to allow us to communicate more freely with one another, have become anything but freeing. People believe they have constant access to us, blurring all sense of appropriate boundaries..."
"The pull of the electronic tether on our lives is strong and has done more to hurt communication, real honest-to-goodness communication, than I think most of us realize."
Guilt, that sense of conviction that comes over us when we do something wrong, is healthy and moves us toward positive change. Shame, however, drives us into a never-ending cycle of trying to fix ourselves, to prove to the world and ourselves that we are not inherently flawed, that we have value. ... Jesus's redemptive love, his saving grace and his forgiveness are what make us worthy.
I highly recommend this book!
January 28, 2019
I am so glad I read this and only wish I’d picked it up earlier!
As a driven working wife and mother, who feels called to something more (outside of her current career), this book resonated so deeply with me.
As a driven working wife and mother, who feels called to something more (outside of her current career), this book resonated so deeply with me.
October 19, 2018
The authoress understand what being busy means - she has five children (boys, at that!) and she is also a successful speaker, counselor and businesswoman.
So, how to find peace and purpose in a world of crazy?
Ms Worthington covers several areas of "busy" and offers some solutions on how to set the priorities straight and manage your areas of busy better.
This is book from the Christian perspective, so the main point is to get to understand the true God´s plan for your life and live accordingly (and "living accordingly" means much more than just to go to church!). There are also some useful tips and tricks to cut the load - but most importantly, to unnderstand the "WHY" of cutting the load - as our aim should be not the busy life, but fulfilled life.
While I would not call this book to be the ground-breaking work on the subject of "busyness" - it touches several common aspects of being busy, but not all of them (and I understand that, because everyone has their own perspective) and the light tone sometimes works against the real deep touch on the subjects - but yes, the it has hit close to my home quite more times than I care to explain.
So, while I would love more deepness on some areas - well, I need to think much more deeper on the other areas, where I got the pang of message of kinds. And this indicated the best that this is an useful, needed book, at least for me.
So, how to find peace and purpose in a world of crazy?
Ms Worthington covers several areas of "busy" and offers some solutions on how to set the priorities straight and manage your areas of busy better.
This is book from the Christian perspective, so the main point is to get to understand the true God´s plan for your life and live accordingly (and "living accordingly" means much more than just to go to church!). There are also some useful tips and tricks to cut the load - but most importantly, to unnderstand the "WHY" of cutting the load - as our aim should be not the busy life, but fulfilled life.
While I would not call this book to be the ground-breaking work on the subject of "busyness" - it touches several common aspects of being busy, but not all of them (and I understand that, because everyone has their own perspective) and the light tone sometimes works against the real deep touch on the subjects - but yes, the it has hit close to my home quite more times than I care to explain.
So, while I would love more deepness on some areas - well, I need to think much more deeper on the other areas, where I got the pang of message of kinds. And this indicated the best that this is an useful, needed book, at least for me.
October 16, 2017
Two chapters in the book REALLY resonated with me: the one about capacity and the one about editing.
In the chapter “Capacity”, Alli likens our lives to a smartphone; we can only store so much (a limited capacity) and we need to take time to recharge our batteries. This made so much more sense to me than the usual metaphor of a plate when describing how much is going on in my life. Maybe it’s because I’m a good baptist gal...at potlucks once my plate is “filled”, I just start piling upward instead of outward. 😂. But my phones capacity...I get that metaphor perfectly. Also, this chapter was great to remind me to tune into my internal battery. When my phone battery gets low I’m always good about finding a charger and plugging it in, but when my energy levels get low I’m bad about just pushing onward...usually until I end up sick and then have to rest.
The chapter about editing was great because it reminded me that the process of editing is where we cut out good things in order to focus on the best things of our lives.. This probably resonated with me because I’m a writer, and well acquainted with the process of editing the things I write, but not always so great at editing the activities in my life.
Overall - great book worth reading. Alli has an amazing sense of humor that had me laughing out loud several times.
In the chapter “Capacity”, Alli likens our lives to a smartphone; we can only store so much (a limited capacity) and we need to take time to recharge our batteries. This made so much more sense to me than the usual metaphor of a plate when describing how much is going on in my life. Maybe it’s because I’m a good baptist gal...at potlucks once my plate is “filled”, I just start piling upward instead of outward. 😂. But my phones capacity...I get that metaphor perfectly. Also, this chapter was great to remind me to tune into my internal battery. When my phone battery gets low I’m always good about finding a charger and plugging it in, but when my energy levels get low I’m bad about just pushing onward...usually until I end up sick and then have to rest.
The chapter about editing was great because it reminded me that the process of editing is where we cut out good things in order to focus on the best things of our lives.. This probably resonated with me because I’m a writer, and well acquainted with the process of editing the things I write, but not always so great at editing the activities in my life.
Overall - great book worth reading. Alli has an amazing sense of humor that had me laughing out loud several times.
June 5, 2017
This book cut right to the heart of some changes that I've been starting to feel a conviction to make in my own life/schedule. Alli's writing is funny, relatable, and thoroughly convicting. Her call to shed the weight of busy that we carry around, to stop doing things just because we feel we should, and to realize that our worth comes from who we are in Christ and is not something we can earn, is exactly what I needed in this season of my life. Although her writing is geared somewhat more towards women, I would highly recommend this book to anyone (male or female) who feels like the busyness of their current life is sucking the soul right out of them. If that is where you are, you need to read this book and let it change your heart and your life!
Favorite Quote: "Finding your passion that lead to your purpose may feel difficult at times, but remember this: God is not keeping it a secret from you. He's waiting for you to stop striving and set everything aside that is keeping you busy and distracted, then turn your attention to him. In a daily, living relationship, he can then show you places you should go, people you should listen to, talents you should nourish, opportunities you should pursue, and passions and gifts he wants you to develop."
Favorite Quote: "Finding your passion that lead to your purpose may feel difficult at times, but remember this: God is not keeping it a secret from you. He's waiting for you to stop striving and set everything aside that is keeping you busy and distracted, then turn your attention to him. In a daily, living relationship, he can then show you places you should go, people you should listen to, talents you should nourish, opportunities you should pursue, and passions and gifts he wants you to develop."
January 26, 2016
This book was written by my friend and mentor, Alli Worthington. She was the co-founder of Blissdom – the very first blog conference I ever attended... years later, with several online businesses myself, Breaking Busy, could not have come at a more prefect time. Throughout this book, Alli gives permission to “do less, live more” which was a long time coming… and long overdue for me. Alli hashes out page by page so beautifully, all my fears and insecurities about doing less and not being supermom. I’m telling you, if you do one thing for yourself this year, save yourselves and get to reading Breaking Busy.
January 26, 2016
This book was written by my friend and mentor, Alli Worthington. She was the co-founder of Blissdom – the very first blog conference I ever attended... years later, with several online businesses myself, Breaking Busy, could not have come at a more prefect time. Throughout this book, Alli gives permission to “do less, live more” which was a long time coming… and long overdue for me. Alli hashes out page by page so beautifully, all my fears and insecurities about doing less and not being supermom. I’m telling you, if you do one thing for yourself this year, save yourselves and get to reading Breaking Busy.
January 26, 2016
This book was written by my friend and mentor, Alli Worthington. She was the co-founder of Blissdom – the very first blog conference I ever attended... years later, with several online businesses myself, Breaking Busy, could not have come at a more prefect time. Throughout this book, Alli gives permission to “do less, live more” which was a long time coming… and long overdue for me. Alli hashes out page by page so beautifully, all my fears and insecurities about doing less and not being supermom. I’m telling you, if you do one thing for yourself this year, save yourselves and get to reading Breaking Busy.
April 23, 2016
An excellent source to walk you through daily life choices, determining what is worthwhile and what is simply making us "busy." An excellent tool for time management, whether your life has truly become too busy or you are simply frittering away valuable time. Learn how to recognize your own living and communication styles and make positive changes toward living a fulfilled life without the cloud of obligation hanging over your head. Alli bases her teaching on the Bible and the truth of Christ and shares her own story to encourage us. Told with sincerity and appropriate humor I recommend this excellent read for everyone regardless of your faith beliefs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews