Are You Busy or Are You Productive? The Difference That Focus Makes
In today’s world, being "busy" is often worn as a badge of honor. We equate a packed schedule with importance and productivity, as if having endless tasks on our to-do lists proves our worth. At networking events or in casual conversation, it’s common to hear people proudly declare, “I’m so busy,” as if that alone signals their success.
But here’s the real question: does being busy actually mean you’re productive? Does having a full schedule translate to meaningful results, or is it just a distraction from the things that really matter? My plea, and the argument I’d like to make, goes against the grain of our busyness-obsessed culture. If we want to be truly effective as professionals and leaders, we need to shift our focus away from being busy and concentrate on getting results.
The Problem with Busyness
Imagine the typical conversation at a networking event:
"Hi, I’m Urs. How are you?"
"Hi, I’m Carol."
"Nice to meet you, Carol. What do you do?"
"I run a staffing agency in Chicago."
"How’s that going for you?"
"I’m super busy."
"That’s great! You’re busy—better than the other way around!"
We’ve all been part of these kinds of exchanges, and the underlying message is clear: being busy is seen as a good thing. It suggests that your business is thriving or that you’re in demand. But there’s a major flaw in this thinking. Busyness doesn’t necessarily mean productivity. In fact, being busy is often the opposite of being focused, and it’s focus that leads to results.
We all know the difference between working hard and working smart. You can fill your day with endless tasks, meetings, and emails, but if none of those activities are directly tied to your core goals, you’re simply spinning your wheels. Being busy without focus is like trying to drive a car with no clear destination—you may be moving fast, but you’re not getting anywhere.
Why Focus Is the Key to Success
To be the most effective in your work, it’s essential to eliminate distractions and focus on what truly matters. This requires humility because it involves admitting that not everything is important. It means making hard choices about what to prioritize and, more importantly, what to let go of. Saying "no" is difficult, but it’s a crucial part of staying focused.
We live in a world that constantly demands our attention, pulling us in a hundred different directions. We want to be liked, we want to please, and we don’t want to let anyone down. But the truth is, every "yes" we give to something unimportant takes time and energy away from the things that will actually move us forward.
Saying "no" requires discipline—both mental and emotional. It’s not easy to push back against the social pressure to always be available or to always take on more. But those who master the art of saying "no" are the ones who make space for what really matters.
Learning from the Best: Focus in Action
Some of the most successful people I know have achieved incredible things by mastering the art of focus. Take my keynote speaker colleague, Jeremiah Brown, as an example. Jeremiah won an Olympic silver medal as part of the Canadian eight-man rowing team at the 2012 London Olympics. That achievement alone is impressive, but what’s even more remarkable is that Jeremiah hadn’t even tried rowing until four years before the Olympics. He went from complete beginner to Olympic medalist in just four years—while also balancing the responsibilities of being a new father.
How did he do it? His secret wasn’t just raw talent or luck; it was focus. Jeremiah eliminated all distractions and committed himself fully to his goal. He said no to anything that didn’t contribute to his success in rowing. By focusing all his energy on what mattered most, he was able to achieve what most people would consider impossible.
A similar story can be found in my own family. My sister, Vroni, is a three-time orienteering world champion, with numerous silver and bronze medals from world and European championships. Over two decades, she competed at the highest level of her sport, balancing the pressures of competition with the demands of being a mother and math teacher. But when it was time to train or race, Vroni had a singular focus. As she put it, "For the duration of the race or training, I commit to being an athlete and only an athlete. Not a mother, not a wife, not a teacher—just an athlete."
This kind of focus allowed her to achieve extraordinary results. Even after retiring from professional competition, Vroni continued to apply her laser focus to new challenges. Two years after retiring, and after having four daughters, she ran a sub-three-hour marathon at the age of 42. Now, she coaches the Finnish women’s team, helping them achieve world-class success.
What both Jeremiah and Vroni understood is that focus isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. It’s about knowing what matters most and having the discipline to eliminate distractions so you can give your full attention to your goals.
How to Apply Focus in Your Own Life
If you want to be more productive and achieve meaningful results, the first step is to shift your mindset. Stop equating busyness with importance. Instead, focus on what will actually move you closer to your goals.
Here are a few practical steps you can take to sharpen your focus and eliminate distractions:
Identify your core priorities – What are the top three things that matter most in your work or personal life? Write them down and make sure every action you take is aligned with those priorities.
Learn to say no – It’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity or request that comes your way, but doing so spreads your time and energy too thin. Get comfortable with saying no to things that aren’t aligned with your goals.
Create boundaries – Set clear limits on your time and attention. This could mean blocking off time on your calendar for focused work or turning off your phone during meetings.
Eliminate unnecessary tasks – Take a close look at your daily routine and identify tasks or activities that don’t contribute to your success. Delegate them if possible or eliminate them altogether.
Commit fully to the moment – Whether you’re working on a project, spending time with family, or training for a race, be fully present. Put distractions aside and focus on the task at hand.
Focus Beats Busyness Every Time
In a world that values busyness, it can be hard to break free from the idea that being busy means you’re being productive. But the truth is, productivity is about results, not activity. The most successful people aren’t the ones who are always busy—they’re the ones who know how to focus their energy on what matters most.
So the next time you find yourself tempted to fill your day with endless tasks or say yes to one more request, take a step back. Ask yourself: Am I busy, or am I being productive? The difference between the two is the key to achieving your most important goals.