I like to be busy. I keep a calendar, I maximize my time and capacity, and I enjoy getting things done. But I had to start asking myself: Am I being busy, or am I being productive? Is this pace of busyness producing the outcomes I actually want?

Recently at work, I was on a project that started off busy—we were clearing a long list of tasks—but the list began to dwindle. My pay wasn’t tied to the number of items I cleared, and nothing major was changing except my sense of “not being busy.” Out of panic, I reached out to another team to see if they still needed help. I knew that project would keep me constantly working.

I got the offer. But when I told my current manager, he (without knowing about the offer) reached out with new responsibilities for my current role. When I shared about the other project, he congratulated me and said, “Go with your heart—choose what leads you where you want to go career-wise.”

I took a weekend to pray and really think. And I chose to stay.

Why? Because I realized that although I might be less busy, I could be more productive in what aligns with my long-term goals. The other project meant going back to heavy numbers work—something I can do with my eyes closed—but that’s not where I want my career to grow. God made it plain: Walk into this new space. Have faith. I’m not calling you to busyness; I’m calling you to focus.

This isn’t new for me. All my life I’ve wrestled with doing “all the things.” In college, I joined every organization I could. Volunteering was great—but in that season of constant motion, I wasn’t productive. My grades could have been better. My goals weren’t as clear. Looking back, I was staying busy to avoid empty space, to avoid loneliness, to avoid stillness.

Here’s what I’m learning: A full calendar doesn’t equal a fruitful life. Time blocks are tools for order, not demands to be filled. I don’t have to run everywhere, do everything, or put the same pressure on my child by packing her schedule. Busyness doesn’t automatically lead to growth—for either of us.

So ask yourself:

• Are you being busy, or are you being productive?

• Which activities actually move you toward your God-given goals?

• Where can you trade hustle for focus?

If you want to see fruit—evidence of God’s hand at work—learn to release the noise. Pray over your list. Ask God to show you the places to cut back and the places to lean in. He will reveal where you can be more productive and less busy—as a mom, a spouse, a friend, and most importantly, as you.