Intentionality is deeply personal. It must be understood, digested, and applied at an individual level. The questions you’ve been asking show that you’re thinking about it seriously. And that, to me, is a good sign.
Action vs. Activity: Why the Distinction Matters
Now, let’s get into today’s main idea: the difference between action and activity.
What Is Action?
Action is intentional. It stems from a clear goal or direction. It’s a step – sometimes one of many – that brings you closer to a long-term vision. When we take action, we do so with purpose and strategy.
What Is Activity?
Activity, on the other hand, is everything we do by default in the course of living: waking up, brushing our teeth, running errands, answering emails. It’s what fills our days, regardless of whether we have a goal in mind or not.
We will always have activities. The real question is: Are they serving our direction, or just consuming our energy?
The Jungle Metaphor: Understanding Work Ethic in Context
Let me give you a practical metaphor. Imagine you’re in a dense jungle – overgrown, wild, with no clear path forward.
You grab a machete and start hacking your way through.
This is your work ethic in motion. And make no mistake: most people do work hard. They show up every day, put in the effort, and keep swinging.
But if you’re hacking away without a sense of direction, you’re likely just going in circles. You may be busy and exhausted, but not necessarily making progress.
Now, if you take that same machete and start cutting through with a clear sense of where you’re heading north instead of just anywhere you’ll begin to make real, intentional progress.
That’s action at work: it’s focused, guided, and strategic. Activity is the hacking. Direction is the compass. Action is hacking with the compass in hand.
Why This Matters to Your Business and Life
It’s easy to conflate activity with productivity. But the difference becomes critical when you’re chasing goals or building something meaningful like a business, a career, or a life of purpose.
Without direction, activity consumes all your energy. You may end the day tired, yet feel like you’re not any closer to your goals. That’s a sign you’re not engaging in enough action.
Ask yourself:
- Am I moving with intention?
- Are my daily efforts tied to a long-term outcome?
- Or am I just getting through the day?
I hope this post helps you reflect on your own balance between action and activity. Are you using your machete with a map in mind? Or are you just trying to survive the jungle?
Thank you again for being part of this journey. Please keep your questions coming, and feel free to share what you’d like me to cover next – either in the comments or via email. If you haven’t already, subscribe to stay updated on more reflections like this.
Stay intentional. Stay safe.
