What's the Difference between Busy People and Productive People?

Busy people work without a vision or a plan. They do their tasks without any clear sense of direction or purpose. Productive people are clear on their goals and targets, and it underlies everything they do.

Busy people get lots done. But, how many of the things that they do move them closer to their goals?  Probably very few or none. Productive people do the right things. They do not obsessively check their email or their social media accounts.  They do not spend time doing things that could be delegated to someone else. They focus on the tasks that will bring them closer to their goals.

Busy people are often exhausted and stressed out at the end of the day. They've inundated themselves with multiple tasks that did not add up to anything worthwhile. Productive people work efficiently and complete the primary objectives that they have set for themselves.

Busy people say yes to every request for help. As a result, their days are loaded with unrelated tasks, all with equal priority. Productive people are frugal with their Yeses, and have very few priorities. They focus on the tasks that are most important to their business growth.

Busy people focus on action. Productive people figure out what activities are most important before taking action.

Busy people talk about how little time they have. Productive people make time for what's important; they don't use time as an excuse. An action either supports their highest values and mission, or if it does not, they don't do it.

Busy people multitask. Productive people focus on one task at a time.

Busy people respond quickly to emails. Productive people look at email infrequently (only once or twice a day), take action on each message and turn off incoming email sounds.

Busy people keep all doors open. Productive people close doors, ignore most options and FOCUS.