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Episode 6: The Myth of Busyness: Are We Really Productive

April 21, 2025•6 min read

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We've all been there: color-coded calendars, endless to-do lists, and a perpetual feeling of being "so busy" – yet somehow, real progress remains elusive. What if I told you that this chronic busyness isn't productivity at all, but rather a sophisticated form of procrastination?

"Busyness is the newest form of procrastination. And not only that, it's actually avoidance in disguise."

This insight from our recent podcast episode reveals an uncomfortable truth about modern life. According to Harvard Business Review, the average worker spends a staggering 41% of their time on tasks that don't contribute to long-term goals. Think about that – nearly half our working hours potentially wasted on motion without meaningful progress.

Motion vs. Progress: Understanding the Critical Difference

There's a fundamental distinction between being in motion and making actual progress:

Being in Motion: Checking emails, attending meetings, responding to Slack messages, tweaking logos, reorganizing files – activities that keep you busy but don't necessarily move you toward meaningful goals.

Making Progress: Taking actions that directly contribute to your most important objectives, values, and long-term vision.

As we discussed on the podcast, many of us find ourselves "living life on accident" – moving through days in a reactive state, responding to others' priorities rather than intentionally pursuing what matters most to us.

"I kind of felt like I was a buoy floating in the ocean, just at the whim of the current, not really in control of where I was going."

This feeling of being adrift is surprisingly common. Gallup reports that only 10% of people feel they're in control of how they spend their time daily. The rest of us are often caught in what we call "the tyranny of the urgent" – constantly responding to immediate demands rather than focusing on what's truly important.

The Hidden Psychology Behind Chronic Busyness

What's truly fascinating is why we fall into these patterns. As we explored in the podcast, overcommitment is often a stress response – a way to avoid stillness and the uncomfortable feelings or questions that might arise in quiet moments.

"Busyness soothes anxiety, but effectiveness requires clarity and discomfort."

This powerful insight explains why we sometimes unconsciously choose busyness. When we're constantly in motion, we don't have to confront deeper questions about our purpose, values, or whether we're pursuing what truly matters. Busyness becomes a form of numbing – a way to avoid introspection.

For entrepreneurs, this might mean obsessing over logo designs instead of making sales calls. For caregivers, it might mean attending to everyone else's needs while neglecting self-care. For corporate professionals, it might mean drowning in meetings and emails rather than focusing on meaningful contributions.

Signs You're Stuck in Motion Rather Than Making Progress

How can you tell if you're caught in the busyness trap? Here are some telltale signs:

You feel like you're on a treadmill – working hard but not getting closer to your goals
Your calendar is perpetually full – with no space for reflection or unscheduled time
You measure success by tasks completed rather than meaningful outcomes achieved
You feel resistant to unstructured time – and quickly fill any openings in your schedule
You're constantly tired but can't point to significant accomplishments

As we discussed in the podcast, this pattern often creates a frustrating paradox: "Busy out here, tired in here." Your external world is full of action, but internally, your soul feels drained because these activities aren't aligned with what truly matters to you.

Breaking Free: From Busyness to Meaningful Effectiveness

The path forward isn't about doing more – it's about doing what matters. Here are key strategies we discussed for moving from motion to progress:

1. Define Your Desired Results

Start each week by asking: "What result am I actually trying to create this week?" This simple question can be transformative because it shifts your focus from activities to outcomes.

Many people struggle with this question because they've conditioned themselves to believe certain results aren't possible. As we discussed in the podcast, you might need to "flex your want muscle" – giving yourself permission to desire more meaningful outcomes.

2. Identify Your Avoidance Patterns

Ask yourself: "What am I avoiding by staying busy?" This uncomfortable question often reveals the real reason behind our busyness. Are you avoiding difficult decisions? Confronting your self-esteem? Facing relationship issues?

"What task feels most uncomfortable and most meaningful?"

The answer to this question often points to exactly where you should direct your energy. Your most meaningful work will frequently be outside your comfort zone.

3. Set Boundaries Based on Values

When you clarify what truly matters, saying "no" becomes easier. As we noted in the podcast, "If you don't prioritize your life, someone else will."

This might mean disappointing people who have benefited from your previous pattern of busyness. It might mean turning down opportunities that don't align with your core values. But these boundaries are essential for creating space for what's truly important.

4. Schedule Unscheduled Time

Counterintuitive as it sounds, intentionally creating space in your calendar for reflection, thinking, and feeling is crucial for effectiveness. This isn't "doing nothing" – it's creating the mental space needed for clarity and creativity.

A New Definition of Productivity

Being truly productive isn't about checking more boxes – it's about meaningful progress toward what matters most. As we concluded in our podcast:

"Being effective isn't about doing more. It's about doing what matters."

This shift in perspective doesn't happen overnight. It requires ongoing self-awareness, intentional choices, and sometimes uncomfortable growth. But the result is a life that feels purposeful rather than merely busy – a life of meaningful progress rather than endless motion.

Your Next Step: From Insight to Action

Take a moment today to review your calendar and ask yourself: "What actually matters to me? Am I moving things in a way that feels meaningful to me?"

This simple inventory can be the first step toward breaking free from the busyness trap and creating a life of meaningful effectiveness. Remember, the pursuit of happywell doesn't happen by accident – it happens by intention.

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Remember, you're not just here to exist—you're here to thrive. Keep going, keep growing, and join us next time on The Pursuit of Happywell.

About Your Hosts

Scott and Kristen built a $20+ million business before realizing that traditional success metrics weren't telling the whole story. They've coached thousands through both business and life transformations, learning firsthand that the path to fulfillment isn't what social media portrays. Based in Colorado with their two kids and two dogs, they bring authentic conversations about what actually creates a well-lived life in today's complex world.