Feb 14 • General 💬
Are You Actually Making Progress Or just Staying Busy?
In 2020 I launched my first online business, and then in 2022 I took it full-time. I still spent time working as a Software Developer and Product Manager (Consultant) on the side, but I was no longer a full-time employee.
Looking back on my journey, I remember a time when I was constantly working, yet nothing happened...
I’d spend hours rebuilding my website on different platforms like Shopify, and Webflow, redesigning graphics, or even brainstorming copy. I even bought multiple domain names (I think I own 10+ now), convinced that my success hinged on getting my branding just right.
But in reality? I was avoiding the hard stuff.
I told myself I was being productive, but deep down, I knew I was sidestepping the most important thing: engaging with people, setting up sales calls, and networking. Instead of putting myself out there, I hid behind "busywork." And when I didn’t see the results I wanted, I doubled down—not by taking the right actions, but by obsessing over rebuilding whatever I could. I'm a builder and I hate sales.
I tried a million different things thinking it would make all the difference:
1) Going to the gym and working out.
2) Going to bed earlier and committing to a healthy diet.
3) Even meeting with others in my niche on LinkedIn to ask how they do it.
Eventually, I had a breakthrough: optimization only works when you’re optimizing the right things.
Once I shifted my focus to the tasks that truly mattered, like having conversations, solving real problems, and taking imperfect action, I saw real progress.
Did you read that? I saw REAL progress.
Not because I worked harder, but because I worked smarter.
The Same Trap Happens in Job Searching
This mindset shift isn’t just for entrepreneurs, it also applies directly to job seekers. I wrote about this recently on LinkedIn. I can picture it now... job seekers waking up, getting a cup of coffee (or iced latte in my case), logging into LinkedIn, and aimlessly 'easy' applying to jobs that they aren't qualified for hoping it will move the needle.
I see so many people stuck in preparation mode when they should be in execution mode.
They spend hours tweaking their resume, adjusting their LinkedIn headline, or researching companies without actually applying, networking, or starting conversations with decision-makers. Just like I convinced myself that the perfect website would bring success, many job seekers believe that the perfect resume will land them a job.
But in reality?
It’s the people who take action, build relationships, send messages, and put themselves out there. These people see the biggest results.
Key Takeaway:
Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. The difference? Productivity moves you toward your goals, while busyness just keeps you occupied.
Action Steps for Job Seekers:
- Are you focused on tasks that create opportunities, or are you hiding behind busy work?
- Are you endlessly tweaking your resume instead of reaching out to hiring managers?
- Send that application, message that recruiter, or schedule that networking call.
Your next job isn’t waiting on the 15th revision of your resume. It’s waiting on you to take action.
So, how will you move forward today?
Your coach,
Regan
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Are You Actually Making Progress Or just Staying Busy?
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