DO YOU EVER feel like your days are packed with so much action, but no real results? It’s like running on a treadmill — moving, sweating, getting tired… but still in the exact same spot.
The Back Story
Busy days can feel like that. You’re ticking boxes, answering calls, sending emails… but are you actually getting closer to what you want?
The trick is to pause, look around, and ask yourself:
- “Am I getting results, or just keeping myself busy?”
Because moving forward isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what actually matters.
Why Busyness Feels Productive
Being busy feels good in the moment. You’re in motion. You’re “getting things done.”
- But if those things don’t bring results, they’re just noise.
That’s why so many people end the day exhausted but strangely unsatisfied. They worked hard, but not on the right things.
The Do’s
- Set clear goals – Define what “results” actually mean for you.
- Prioritize – Do the tasks that really move the needle.
- Check in weekly – Look back and ask, “What results did I get?”
- Say no – Protect your time from things that add nothing.
The Don’ts
- Don’t confuse activity with achievement.
- Don’t load your schedule just to look “productive.”
- Don’t avoid reflection — it’s where you see what’s working.
- Don’t hide in easy tasks to dodge the real challenges.
Career Chaos
Carol spends all day answering emails as they pop up. By 5:00 pm, she’s drained, but her main project hasn’t moved an inch. She’s busy… zero results.
Life at Home
Jim keeps “preparing” his garage for a home gym. Months later, still no equipment. Lots of activity, no results.
Social Snags
Claire goes to every networking event, hands out tons of cards… but never follows up. She’s meeting people, but not building relationships.
Breaking the Cycle
Start by asking yourself:
- “What’s the one thing I could do today that would bring real results?”
Do that first. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if it’s the hardest task.
The rest? It can wait.
At first, you might feel “lazy” because you’re not drowning in busy work. But once the results show up, you’ll never miss the treadmill life.
Tips and Techniques
Being busy isn’t the same as getting results.
- You don’t need more hours — you need smarter use of the ones you already have.
Starting today, pick one thing that matters and do it first. Even if the rest of the day falls apart, you’ll know you moved forward where it counts.
Results don’t always come in big, flashy wins. Sometimes they’re just small, steady steps — but they’re steps in the right direction.
Remember: Stop being busy — start getting results.