I remember sitting at my desk,surrounded by a mountain of to-do lists,deadlines looming like dark clouds. I was busy,no doubt about it. every hour was accounted for, and yet, somehow, I wasn’t moving the needle. I was scrambling, but where my actions getting me closer to my goals? Hell no. I was broke—not just financially, but in terms of clarity, purpose, and alignment.
Let’s get real for a moment. Society has conditioned us to equate busyness with productivity. If you’re not hustling, grinding, or running from one meeting to another, what are you even doing? But let’s peel back that facade. Being busy often masks a deeper issue: lack of focus. And that, my friends, is what keeps so many of us in the cycle of being busy and broke.
On the flip side,I’ve experienced what it feels like to be focused and free. It’s a game-changer.Imagine waking up knowing exactly who you are and where you’re headed. You cut through the noise and distractions, laser-focused on what actually matters. Your time isn’t just accounted for; it’s invested. And that shift doesn’t come from a fancy calendar or a productivity hack. it comes from knowing your “why.”
A few years back, I hit a wall. I was hustling hard,wearing the badge of “entrepreneur” with pride. But deep down, I often felt drained and, let’s be honest, broke. I realized that my efforts were scattered, and after running in circles, I’d achieved little more than an inbox full of unread emails. I was busy, yes, but not in a way that served my long-term goals.
So I made a crucial mindset shift: I started asking myself about intention. why was I doing this? What’s the endgame? It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but if you’re not leading with a clear purpose, you’re just spinning your wheels.This is where most people miss the mark—your action needs to align with your vision.
Let’s talk about realignment for a second. I took a step back and evaluated every aspect of my business and life. What could I stop doing? What was simply on my plate because I felt obligated? Spoiler alert: most of it was noise. Now, I’m not saying to toss out every obligation, but understanding the difference between necessity and distraction is where freedom lies.
When I made that conscious choice to let go of the unimportant, my whole world opened up. I started dedicating my time to high-impact activities—those sweet, sweet 20% that yield 80% of the results. That’s when the money started flowing in. Not because I was working harder,but because I was working smarter.
Here’s where it gets a little controversial: hustle culture frequently enough glorifies exhaustion. Society celebrates those who work 80-hour weeks,but I’m here to tell you that’s a trap.You don’t need to sacrifice your well-being for success. The bravest thing you can do is to set boundaries around your time and energy. The world will keep spinning even if you take a step back.
True freedom comes from focusing on what matters most and cutting out the rest. It’s about being purposeful with your choices and unapologetic about your priorities. Focus creates momentum.Momentum cultivates growth. And growth—that’s where you’ll find the financial freedom we all crave.
Another thing I embraced is the beauty of saying “no.” It’s liberating, trust me. The next time someone pitches you that “amazing” opportunity or asks you to join yet another committee, ask yourself: Is this aligned with my vision? Is this adding to my life or detracting from it? Saying no often opens the door to the right yes.
I’ve learned that busy and broke are two sides of the same coin—one filled with anxiety and a perpetual sense of lacking. Focused and free, however, invites clarity and abundance. In a world brimming with distractions, you owe it to yourself to be deliberate in your actions, intentional in your choices, and fiercely protective of your time.
There’s a certain peace that comes when you stop trying to do it all. Rather, you’re able to pour your energy into projects that resonate with your passion. Ambition should feel invigorating, not suffocating. And I promise you, the moment you shift from busy to focused, you’ll not only see the results, but you’ll also find the joy in the journey.
So, I encourage you: find that clarity. Ask those hard questions. Let go of the busywork cluttering your life. Focus on what truly drives you,and watch how it transforms not just your professional outcomes but your entire mindset. Freedom isn’t just a destination; it’s a state of being, and that all starts with knowing what you’re really working for.