Are You Running Your Day, or Is Your Day Running You?

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks, phone calls, and endless emails. But here’s a question worth pondering: Are you running your day, or is your day running you?

I like to think of this in terms of two types of people. The first type wakes up in the morning, brushes their teeth, gets in the shower, and wonders, “What will today bring?” This person’s day often becomes a series of reactions—responding to the first phone call, tackling emails, and constantly putting out fires. They’re busy from morning until night, and by the end of the day, they might feel like they’ve accomplished a lot simply because they were active and engaged all day long.

But here’s the kicker: There’s a significant difference between being busy and being productive. The first type of person spends their day reacting, which can lead to a sense of busyness without meaningful progress. They might be doing a lot, but how much of it is truly driving their business forward?

Now, let’s talk about the second type of person. This person also wakes up in the morning, brushes their teeth, and gets in the shower. But unlike the first type, they already know exactly what their day is going to look like. Why? Because they’ve planned ahead. Not only do they have a clear plan for today, but they likely have a good idea of what they’ll be doing tomorrow and even the day after.

This proactive approach allows the second type of person to navigate their day with purpose. Yes, they still face unexpected challenges and fires to put out, but because their day is planned, they can remain focused on their core objectives. By the end of the day, they can look back and confidently say, “I accomplished something meaningful today.”

So, what’s the takeaway here? At the end of each day, I encourage you to measure your wins and losses based on one key factor: revenue-generating activities. If you can look back and identify at least one action that directly contributed to generating revenue, that’s a win. If not, it might be time to reassess how you’re spending your day.

The difference between running your day and letting your day run you comes down to intention and planning. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive and focusing on activities that move the needle for your business.

Remember, I’m here to help you win every single day. If there’s anything you need or any way I can support you in becoming more productive and purposeful, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make sure you’re running your day, not the other way around.