Do You Have a Minute?

“Hey, do you have a minute?” I probably receive that text more than 20 times a week, and can be guilty of sending it at least half as much. In the Information Age, we seem to struggle against two competing needs: on one hand, the requestor needs information or attention, and feels like they need it now- (and it feels good to be needed). On the other, the recipient is weighing that impulse against the most important and finite resource we have- their time. It feels good when someone wants our attention. Humans are wired to help others, and our brains reward us with a hit of neurotransmitters like oxytocin and dopamine whenever we do.

But wait, what were you just doing again? Didn’t you say you were going to get that email out ASAP? What about the much-needed down-time you scheduled for yourself because you know you needed those 15 minutes of quiet? So…. DO you have a minute? Maybe- but you might not be able to afford to spend it. When you get that text, open your calendar. Budget time - maybe even that same day, and respond with confidence: “Hey, I’m busy now, but I have some time at 6?” Now, you can finish your email and enjoy your break. You’ve earned it.