Why “Busy” Isn’t the Goal – and What to Focus on Instead

Apr 07, 2025

Written by Kristina Karlsson, Dream Life Founder

Have you ever reached the end of a busy day only to realise you didn’t actually move any closer to the life you truly want?

I know I have — more times than I can count.

We live in a world where being busy is often worn like a badge of honour. Full calendars, endless to-do lists, back-to-back meetings… they make us look productive. But the truth? Busy doesn’t always mean purposeful.

This week on the Monday Motivation Podcast, I shared one of my favourite reminders:

“Don’t be busy. Be productive.”
— Unknown

It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it might just be the mindset shift you need to reset your week — or even your whole year.

In this post, I want to go deeper into what that really means, and how you can start making that shift from “busy” to “productive”… from “reactive” to “intentional”… from “scattered” to “aligned.”

Because your Dream Life isn’t built in a day — but it is built daily. And how you spend your time matters.

Why Being Busy Isn’t Always a Good Thing

Let’s face it: “I’m just so busy” has become a default answer in so many conversations. But when we unpack that — what are we actually busy doing?

Sometimes, it’s things we’ve said yes to out of habit or obligation. Sometimes it’s because we’re afraid to slow down, or unsure of where to even begin with our bigger dreams.

But if we’re honest, being busy often just means we’re spinning — not moving forward.

Productivity, on the other hand, is a different game entirely. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters.

5 Simple Shifts to Go From Busy to Productive

If you’re ready to make that shift (and I know you are!), here are five intentional changes you can start today:

1. Get Crystal Clear on What Matters to YOU

Before you fill up your day with tasks, take a moment to reconnect with your values and goals.
Ask yourself:

What’s truly important to me this week?
What do I want to feel proud of at the end of this month or this quarter?

Grab your journal and write down your Top 3 Priorities — not for your job, your family, or anyone else. Just for you.
Maybe it’s carving out time to write your book, finally launching your side hustle, or simply feeling more calm and connected in your everyday life.

This clarity is your compass. Use it.

2. Ask the Question That Changes Everything

Before you say “yes” to something — a meeting, a favour, even checking your inbox — pause and ask:

“Will this move me closer to my Dream Life?”

If the answer is yes, great!
If not, consider whether it really needs your time and energy right now.

This one habit can radically shift your day.

3. Protect Your Time for Aligned Action

You don’t need hours to make progress on your dreams. You just need intention.

Even 15 focused minutes a day can add up to incredible momentum.

Block out that time in your calendar like it’s non-negotiable — because it is. Your dreams are worth protecting.

4. Let Go of Perfection

Remember: progress is more important than perfection. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start.

Tiny, consistent steps will always take you further than waiting for the “right time” to take one giant leap.

5. Join a Supportive Community

Creating your Dream Life isn’t something you have to do alone.

If you’re craving more structure, encouragement, and accountability, I’d love to invite you to join my Dream Life Coaching Program. And if you’re reading this in time — we’ve got a very special intro offer for new members this April: just $97 to get started.

Inside, you’ll get:

Full access to my course Your Dream Life Starts Here
My complete workshop library
Monthly live sessions (our first April workshop is tonight!)
And best of all — a beautiful community of like-minded women, all taking aligned steps toward lives they love 💛

The theme for this month is Unlocking Productivity — not about doing more, but doing what matters most.

If your heart is whispering, “Maybe this is for me…” — take the leap.

You can learn more and sign up at yourdreamlifestartshere.com.