Feeling busy isn’t the same as being busy.

Running your business based on the way you feel, rather than reality, is a terrible idea. There’s a much better way.

But why do you feel busy?

Sometimes we feel busy because we procrastinated and the deadline is now.

Sometimes we feel busy because we just took on several new clients and the different challenges have us thinking lots of busy thoughts.

Sometimes we feel busy because the rest of our life is off-kilter, or out of whack, or unbalanced.

But again, those are feelings.

The question is: are you really busy?

Your numbers tell your story

The money will answer this question. Money speaks louder than feelings.

Go look at your bank account and figure out if you’re really busy, or if you’re living in an illusion. Are you as busy as you feel? Only your bank account knows for sure.

Before you go hunting for solutions–more help, software, consulting, something external–find out what story the money is telling. Do that first.

Follow the money. The money will reveal whether you’re as busy as you feel. And if you are truly busy, it’ll also tell you whether your busyness is a good thing or not.

Sometimes we’re busy because the work is pouring in–not just this week, but for a considerable period, requiring a solution. But sometimes the money tells us that we’re too busy because we’ve committed to work at fees below our value. We’ve committed to do too much in exchange for too little.

Busyness requires a solution. It might require hunkering down and doing the work, or it might require some external assistance. Sometimes, though, it simply requires better decision making before you commit your time.

Don’t let the feelings be your guide. Let the money show you the way. In business, feeling busy isn’t the same as being busy.