A—I'm busy, you're busy, I'm sure that between the both of us we don't know a single person who isn't busy, and none of us need another item on our to-do lists. That's why the key to incorporating service into a busy life is by making service a lifestyle. Let me explain:
Look for opportunities, or create opportunities, in the events and activities that are already scheduled. Getting dessert with friends? Buy an extra and, on the way home, drop it off with someone who's having a bad day or whom you haven't seen in a while. Family reunion coming up? Have family members bring a can of food with them and then let the teenagers have their own adventure and drop it off at the food bank. Ride the train to work? Instead of Facebooking, crochet a hat for a new baby, write a letter to someone, or get involved in family history work (there's an app for that).
In the LDS world we have Family Home Evening every Monday night. Instead of sitting down for a lesson on a gospel topic, get involved in a quick project and have a hands on lesson. The other organizations in the LDS church also have regular activities (Mutual, Relief Society activities, etc.) and service projects could be incorporated into that existing schedule.
For those not interested in activities and projects, consider donating money. Many organizations allow one-time or recurring monetary donations. It takes a matter of minutes (or a fraction of a lunch break) to make a difference with minimal impact on a busy schedule. Another option would be to look for little ways to make a difference—opening the door for someone, collecting coins found on the ground to donate later, helping a someone with groceries, etc.
The bottom line is that if we look for opportunities and create a lifestyle around helping people, incorporating service is easy and won't take up the time we don't have.
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