Skip to main content

The Two Lies That Are Holding You Back (Even If You Don't Know It)

There’s a storm coming. Not the kind on the radar, but the one you may find yourself in daily, unknowingly swirling through the same myths that keep countless business leaders anchored in place. We’re talking about two of the most pervasive lies that show up disguised as “truths” in almost every conversation about growth, success, and business strategy.

Lie #1: Hard work equals forward movement.

We’re all taught that hard work is the golden ticket, and for some reason, we believe the harder we push, the closer we are to success. But hard work without purpose? That’s just spinning your wheels. You might be busy, but are you actually moving forward?

Every leader’s journey eventually encounters this truth: hard work is only half the story. If your effort isn’t aligned with a clear outcome, you’re not really making progress. You’re just busy. To break free, define your purpose. Without a compass, even the fastest ship won’t make it to its destination. Your hard work needs a direction, not just intensity.

So the challenge here isn’t about doubling down on effort. It’s about committing to a clear purpose and moving with intention. That’s where progress lies, not in the effort alone but in the purpose that guides it.

Lie #2: Busyness means productivity.

We love saying, “I’m so busy.” It’s a badge of honor in today’s world. But busyness is often a distraction from what really matters. It’s the constant churn of low-value tasks that keep us from facing the real work—the high-stakes, high-impact stuff that requires focus, clarity, and commitment.

Think of all the time spent checking emails, running from meeting to meeting, or even organizing things that should be working in the background. For some, being busy is a way to avoid the very tasks that would truly move the needle. Why? Maybe because deep down, there’s a fear of simplicity—an inner belief that it can’t be this easy. We trick ourselves into thinking that staying occupied validates our success.

The truth is that busyness doesn’t equal productivity; in fact, it often steals it. True productivity comes when you prioritize, when you can say no to the distractions and focus on the high-value actions that actually drive your business forward. It's the art of knowing when to go all-in and when to let things be.

The Real Takeaway

Break free from these lies by aligning your hard work with purpose and focusing your effort on priorities that matter. Let go of “busyness” as a badge, and wear your purpose on your sleeve instead. Define what matters most and let everything else fall away.

Remember, the storm will come, the distractions will call, but your job is to stay anchored, clear-headed, and intentional. That’s where true movement, real growth, and genuine momentum begin.

Stay well, and keep moving forward.




About Spencer Combs:

Spencer Combs is a business leader and author of Momentum and Mastery: The Business Leader's Guide to Fastrack Unshakeable Profit, Productivity, and Purpose. With a passion for helping others transform their challenges into opportunities, Spencer offers unique insights through his events, coaching programs, and daily text messages.


Take the Next Step:


Connect with Spencer: www.spencercombs.com/social 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Here's what others like you are reading:

The Risk-Reward Reality: Why Playing Small Limits Your Business's Potential

 Good morning! As we crank up into a fresh week, let's tackle a basic truth about growth and achievement in business: low risk means low reward. It's tempting to play it safe, to stick to what's comfortable and familiar. The allure of minimizing potential downsides is strong. But the reality is, significant breakthroughs and substantial rewards rarely come without stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing a degree of risk. Think about the biggest leaps forward in business history. They weren't achieved by treading the well-worn path. They came from entrepreneurs and companies willing to challenge the status quo, invest in innovative ideas, and navigate uncertain territory. That "low risk" approach might manifest in your business as:  * Avoiding new marketing channels: Sticking only to what you know, even if it's plateauing.  * Hesitating to invest in growth: Being reluctant to spend on scaling, new hires, or product development.  * Staying within yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Beyond Right and Wrong: The Power of Asking This Instead

Good morning from Raleigh! Happy Thursday, let's talk about a subtle shift in perspective that can have a big impact on our decision-making and interactions: Rather than thinking right or wrong, choose to look at effective and ineffective. We're often conditioned to frame things in binary terms: this is the right way, that's the wrong way. This can lead to rigid thinking, unnecessary conflict, and a resistance to exploring alternative approaches. But the world, especially the world of business, is rarely black and white. What truly matters isn't whether something aligns with a preconceived notion of "rightness," but whether it actually works . Is it achieving the desired outcome? Is it moving you closer to your goals? Is it fostering positive results? Think about it: Marketing strategies: Instead of arguing about which approach is inherently "right," focus on which one is generating the most leads and conversions. Team dynamics: Instead of labeli...
Post a Comment
Read more

Daily Dose - Regain Control, One Small Step at a Time

Today's dose is a practical question for immediate impact: "What small, consistent actions could you implement to create a sense of greater control in your day?" Feeling overwhelmed or like your days are running you? You're not alone. The solution isn't some grand overhaul, but rather a series of small, consistent actions that gradually shift the balance of power. Consider: Morning Ritual: Starting your day with a focused routine (meditation, journaling, planning) can set the tone for control. Time Blocking: Scheduling specific tasks in your calendar prevents reactive chaos. Daily Prioritization: Identifying your top 3 most important tasks ensures you're focusing on what truly matters. Mindful Breaks: Taking short, intentional breaks throughout the day helps maintain focus and prevent burnout. These small actions, when implemented consistently, compound into a powerful sense of control and clarity. To your Momentum & Mastery, Spencer Photo by Alex...
Post a Comment
Read more