Get All Access for $5/mo

The Difference Between Being Productive and Being Busy Make sure you always have a larger goal.

By Brian Tracy

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In this video, Entrepreneur Network partner Brian Tracy explains why productive people are happier people.

According to Tracy, the difference between being productive and being busy is extremely distinct. In Tracy's definition of the words, "busy" means always being occupied with things to do, while being "productive" means working towards a purpose. Tracy backs up this claim by laying out a few steps you can take to make sure you being productive:

  1. The more you accomplish, the better you will feel about yourself. Tracy stresses that, instead of worrying about how big or small the task is, instead, put your mind to finishing the task itself. Tracy mentions that every time you knock off something off your to-do list, your brain is sent a shot of dopamine, making you feel fulfilled.
  2. When you have something to look forward to, you wil feel more excited to jump out of bed. Moreover, when you have a solid goal to work towards, your mindset will automatically feel more centered and prepared to take on the day.
  3. Clean up clutter. When there is simply too much stuff crowding your living space, the stress just automatically follows.
  4. Exercise. The act of exercising is an automatic mood-booster.
  5. Find something to do at all times. When you are occupied with some project or task, you are less likely to let your mind wander and settle into negative thoughts.
  6. Purpose. As Tracy notes, a key indicator you are being productive over being busy is working towards a purpose.

Click the video to hear more.

Related: 5 Steps to Setting Achievable Financial Goals

Entrepreneur Network is a premium video network providing entertainment, education and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. We provide expertise and opportunities to accelerate brand growth and effectively monetize video and audio content distributed across all digital platforms for the business genre.

EN is partnered with hundreds of top YouTube channels in the business vertical. Watch video from our network partners on demand on Roku, Apple TV and the Entrepreneur App available on iOS and Android devices.

Brian Tracy

Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, Speaker and Author

Brian Tracy is chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is the leading coach on the topics of leadership, self-esteem, goals and success psychology. Learn more at BrianTracy.com

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Brian Tracy

The Personality Traits That Define a Successful Problem-Solver

Go From Unmotivated to Goal-Oriented With These Hacks

Successful Leaders Incorporate These Steps When Creating a Company Vision

Editor's Pick

Business News

Is One Company to Blame for Soaring Rental Prices in the U.S.?

The FBI recently raided a major corporate landlord while investigating a rent price-fixing scheme. Here's what we know.

Side Hustle

This Former Starbucks Employee Started a Side Hustle That's Making More Than $70,000 a Month — and He's Not Done Yet

When Tom Saar moved to New York City, he spotted a lucrative business opportunity.

Business News

Amazon Has a Blank Book Problem: Buyers Report Receiving Fakes of Bestselling UFO Book

The book looked fine on the outside, but the inside was out-of-this-world.

Business News

Paramount Leadership Alludes to Layoffs If Merger Does Not Go Through

Paramount is awaiting approval on its merger with Skydance Media from majority shareholder Shari Redstone.

Marketing

6 SEO Tips to Help You Rank in the New Era of Quality Content

What is the best SEO strategy after Google's March 2024 core update? Here's what you need to know.

Business News

Microsoft Reportedly Lays Off Over 1,500 Employees in Cloud Sector as Partnership with OpenAI Strengthens

Alphabet also reportedly laid off employees from several teams in Google's cloud unit last week.