Pattern I’m Breaking: Confusing Busy With Productive

One thing I’m ready to unlearn is that constantly learning and “working on the business” means I’m making progress.

I’ve always called myself a lifelong learner. But when I didn’t know what to do—or didn’t feel ready to do it—I took another course. It allowed me to say I was working on the business without doing the things that could actually grow it.

I committed to not taking any more courses until my business is up and running and has clients. But I didn’t break the pattern. I just replaced the courses with low-impact tasks. I check email repeatedly, circle unfinished projects, and put off the work that requires me to be visible.

What scares me is that I could stop hiding behind the busywork, put myself out there, and still not get clients. As long as I haven’t fully tried, I can tell myself that’s why the business isn’t making money.

But I’m tired of ending my days feeling frustrated and guilty. I need to honor the commitments I make to myself as much as I honor the ones I make to other people.

My first small step is to record one short video before checking my email. I do not have to post it yet. I only have to follow through and record it.

I may never feel ready. I’m doing it anyway.

#PatternBreak

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Pattern I’m Breaking: Confusing Busy With Productive