The Key to Business Success: Stop Using the “B” Word
(Based on Chapter 1 of “Stop Using the “B” Word)
Have you ever found yourself so “busy” at work or in life that you feel like you’re running in circles, never really accomplishing what you set out to do? You check your to-do list at the end of the day, and somehow, it’s even longer than it was in the morning, with nothing of real importance checked off. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
In today’s fast-paced world, busyness has become the norm, and for many, it’s seen as a badge of honor. People proudly declare, “I’ve been keeping busy,” as though constant motion equals productivity. But here’s the harsh truth: busyness often gets in the way of the things that truly matter.
What’s the Key to Success?
After years of observing successful entrepreneurs and high achievers, I realized one fundamental truth: success is about focus, not busyness. Successful people know what actions will move the needle in their lives and businesses, and they dedicate themselves to those tasks. The key? They avoid distractions—especially the big one: being “busy” for the sake of it.
Distractions are the silent killers of productivity. And while many people try to fight distractions with sheer willpower, it’s not a sustainable solution. To truly achieve your goals—whether that’s building a thriving business, having more time for family, or living a life of purpose—you need more than just motivation. You need distraction control.
The Problem with the “B” Word
I used to be like most people—constantly “busy,” yet rarely getting the most important things done. One time I came home from work and told my wife, Michelle, “I was busy all day, but didn’t get anything done.” Her unimpressed response hit me hard. I realized I didn’t want to live a life where “busy” was the excuse for not doing what truly mattered. That was when I decided to make a change.
I stopped using the “B” word. Instead, I replaced it with “productive.” And guess what? It changed everything.
From Busy to Productive
By eliminating the word “busy” from my vocabulary, I became more intentional with my time. I stopped using “busy” as a crutch and began focusing on productive actions. Every day, I’d create a list of the top tasks I needed to complete, and if I accomplished those, I considered it a success—no matter how many other minor tasks went unfinished.
The results were astounding. My productivity skyrocketed. Over time, I noticed a significant shift—not only in my own life but in the culture of my company. We became a team focused on results, not on being “busy.” The difference was like night and day.
What Happens When You Stop Saying “Busy”?
When I started encouraging my team to stop using the “B” word, the transformation was immediate. No more excuses, no more busy work, no more running in circles. Instead, we embraced a culture of productivity. Tasks were prioritized, focus was sharper, and, most importantly, we got more done.
It’s not just about getting work done; it’s about getting the right work done. Imagine a workplace or a life where everyone is focused, not frantic. Stress levels drop. Confidence soars. Relationships improve. And the most important part? We all had more time for what really mattered—whether that was family, health, or pursuing our passions.
Are You Ready to Make the Change?
This isn’t just a small change—it’s a mindset shift. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of endless busyness and start living a more focused, intentional life, I invite you to take the challenge: Stop using the “B” word for 30 days. Replace it with “productive,” and notice the impact it has on your productivity, stress levels, and overall satisfaction.
I’ll share more strategies for eliminating distractions and focusing on the things that truly matter in the chapters to come. But the first step is simple: stop calling yourself “busy.” Instead, start calling yourself “productive,” and watch your world change.
What’s next?
In the next post, we’ll dive into some of the common distractions that pull us away from success—and more importantly, we’ll look at the systems you can put in place to control those distractions. If you want to truly level up your life and business, you have to be intentional about the actions you take, and that starts with taking control of your distractions.
Stay tuned!
UPCOMING EVENTS: 2025 Workshops
Ready to GROW your business while remaining aligned with God’s purpose for your life?
The Strategic Thinking Network is an organization that provides a series of interactive workshops designed to equip Christian business owners with the growth tools, strategic mindset, and biblical principles to grow their businesses while remaining
aligned with God’s purpose for their lives.
Participants will learn to recognize and overcome the distractions and deceptions that can derail their business growth and kingdom impact, and understand how to step into the immeasurably more that God has for them.
Class size is limited!
