North American culture celebrates the hustle.
The longer the to-do list, the harder you're grinding, the more admirable it seems. Productivity is worn like a badge of honour. But at what cost?
You feel this pressure constantly: the need to do more, generate more, achieve more, push harder.
And let’s be honest: the dopamine hit of crossing off tasks can feel pretty good. But often, we’re left feeling like we’re doing everything, and still not moving the needle. Frustrating!
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: doing more doesn’t always create more. Especially not the kind of life and business you actually want.
We’ve been conditioned to believe that the answer is better time management, tighter routines, or even smarter tools. But what if the better answer is becoming more you?
What if the problem isn’t your to-do list, it’s the lack of time to be?
Being is where clarity lives. It’s where intuition sharpens. It’s where self-leadership starts. Being is about presence, connection, and self-awareness.
Now, I’m not saying throw out your calendar.
I’m saying start by reclaiming even 10 minutes a day to pause and check in. Ask yourself:
• How am I showing up today? (And would my kids be proud of me for this?)
• Is how I’m designing my day aligned with what matters most?
• What do I need — not just to get through the day, but to feel present in it?
You don’t need to shift your whole life overnight. As a matter of fact, it’s usually a terrible idea to do that! This isn’t about abandoning ambition. It’s about anchoring it.
Because the most powerful leaders I know aren’t just productive, they’re present. And they’re happy. Deeply fulfilled.
So yes, build your to-do list. But alongside it, build a to-be list: how you’ll remain as grounded, intentional, purpose-driven and confident as possible. Aligned. That’s where real leadership lives. And when you lead from being, the doing becomes lighter and far more impactful. I wonder if you’ll trust this process enough to try it.
Chris Wilkinson is a Business Coach who works with driven entrepreneurs and business owners looking to grow and create more impact through purpose, organization, and intention. For info visit www.CoachingWithChris.ca or email Chris at info@CoachingWithChris.ca
