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.

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