Stop Chasing Productivity. Start Chasing EFFECTIVENESS.

We all know the drill—more productivity equals more success, right? But here’s the real question: Is being productive really the answer, or are we just confusing movement with progress?

How many times have you found yourself saying, “I just need to be more productive”? I hear it every day: “If I could just stop procrastinating, find motivation, and do more, everything would fall into place.” But will it?

1. Focus on the ONE Thing That Will Actually Move You Forward

Stop trying to tackle everything at once. It’s exhausting. Instead, pick ONE thing. Not three. Not five. Just ONE.

Ask yourself, "What’s the ONE thing I can do today that will actually make this day a success?"

For example:

• Is it reaching out to potential clients instead of wasting another hour watching productivity gurus online?

• Is it finally creating that content instead of overthinking which niche to choose?

• Is it working on building the skills to land your dream job instead of endlessly perfecting your vision board?

• Is it stepping up to take the first action toward that romantic relationship you’re hoping for instead of endlessly analyzing pickup lines?

The ONE thing that will move you forward is the work you need to do first. The thing that will move the needle forward. Not the busywork that makes you feel productive but doesn’t really get you anywhere.

Real progress feels uncomfortable, messy, and even scary sometimes. But it’s the only thing that gets you closer to your goals. So, forget about the busy stuff. Focus on the work that matters. Focus on the ONE thing.

2. Prioritize What’s Actually Important

Ambitious people tend to pile on way too much. They think they can do it all—until they’re burned out and overwhelmed.

Here’s the hard truth: Not every task is worth your time.

In business, for instance, three hours spent talking to potential clients is far more valuable than nine hours spent designing the perfect business card. One creates real results; the other is just a distraction.

So here’s a question: Do you really have the resources to handle everything on your to-do list today? If you’re honest, probably not.

We all have finite time, energy, and focus. The more you try to do it all, the more you end up stuck in a loop of exhaustion and frustration. You’ll feel busy but not really productive—and certainly not effective.

Instead, aim for fewer tasks, but ones that actually move the needle. Time is limited. It’s more important to make progress on the right things than to check off a list of meaningless tasks.

So, ask yourself: “What’s the ONE thing that will make today a true success?”

You have to know your end goal. Once you’re clear on that, it’s easier to identify the tasks that will get you there. 

3. The Hardest Tasks Are Usually the Most Impactful

Let’s be honest: The tasks that matter most are rarely the easy ones.

It’s far easier to tweak your business card’s font than it is to have a real conversation with a potential client. It’s easier to plan content than it is to actually create it consistently. Manifesting is much more comfortable than doing the actual hard work.

But here’s the kicker: The hardest tasks are usually the ones that are going to make the biggest difference.

You’re probably avoiding them. Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s discomfort. But it’s the hard stuff—the stuff that feels challenging—that’s where the magic happens.

So, stop distracting yourself with the easy stuff. Put those small tasks on the back burner. The big, hard tasks are the ones that move the needle, not the busy work.

Think of it like your fitness routine: Compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and pull-ups take more effort, but they deliver the most results. The same goes for your business or personal goals. Focusing on the biggest, hardest tasks will push you forward far more than doing a bunch of small, easy ones.

Sure, you could spend hours in a frenzy, but the real question is: Did it matter? Did it push you closer to where you want to go?

Discipline is Conditioning Yourself to Do the Hardest Thing First

The truth is, most people avoid the hard work because it’s uncomfortable. But here’s the thing: By choosing to do the hardest thing first, you make the rest of your day easier. You stop wasting time on things that don’t matter and finally focus on what’s going to take you where you want to go.

The most challenging tasks—whether it’s business, relationships, or personal growth—are the ones that matter most. So do them first. And everything else will follow.

My mentor always told me “swallow the frog”. It’s a time management technique to complete your most difficult task first thing in the day. I’m so glad she taught me that because it fits in perfectly here.