Are You Doing It Just to Say You Did It?
- Jessica Riesenbeck
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
A Thought to Ponder 💡
Do you ever fill your time with tasks just to feel like you’re doing something—even if it’s not the thing that truly needs to be done?
Or are you intentional with your time—leaving space not just to get things done, but to get the right things done, in the right way, at the right time?
There’s a difference.And it’s been my lesson to learn (again) lately.
The Story 📓
My days look different right now.
I’m in a building season with Regionally Rooted, and while I love the variety, it’s also a lot. Some days are full from start to finish—meetings, calls, networking events, emails… all the things.
And as someone who soaks up the energy of being around people—but also needs recovery time—those days take a lot out of me.
Other days are more behind-the-scenes:
✨ Researching people and organizations I’d love to connect with
✨ Crafting outreach messages that feel thoughtful and true to me
✨ Planning content for this blog and our social media
✨ Following up with potential clients
✨ Mapping new ideas and offers
It’s work I care about, but I’ve noticed- when I start doing just to check the box—without clarity, timing, or intention—it doesn’t go well.
I make more mistakes.
My tone feels off.I second-guess myself more.
And it takes longer than it should.
I usually end up redoing it later anyway—not because I’m lazy or distracted, but because I wasn’t being intentional the first time around.
The Difference?
Being intentional doesn’t mean your schedule is perfect or you’re always in the right mindset.
It means asking a few honest questions before you dive in:
What am I trying to accomplish with this?
What does this task need from me—creatively, mentally, emotionally?
Do I have that right now?
If not… can this shift?
And if it can’t, what else can?
Sometimes it’s as simple as swapping the order of your day.
Other times, it’s choosing not to force something that could be better served later.
And more often than not, it’s letting go of the idea that busy = productive.
The Cost of “Looking Busy”
You're not alone in this.A 2023 survey by Visier found that 43% of employees spend more than 10 hours a week on performative tasks—things that look productive, but don’t add real value. (source)
That’s over a full workday each week doing things that don’t actually move us forward.
Now imagine what could shift with that same time, used intentionally:
A heartfelt follow-up that strengthens a client relationship
Space to re-align your messaging
Time to map out the next 90 days with clarity
Breathing room to make better decisions—without rushing
Even just a few of those 10 hours, used with care, could lead to real progress—not just movement.
How to Catch Yourself in the Act
You might be doing something just to do it if:
You’re rushing, but not sure why
You’re acting out of pressure, not purpose
You’re frustrated with the process—or the outcome
You’re reacting instead of reflecting
What to Try Instead
✔ Pause and ask what the end goal is for the task
✔ Notice what energy the task needs—and whether you have it
✔ Give yourself permission to shift things around when you can
✔ Don’t just fill your day—shape it with purpose
✔ Remember: doing something doesn’t mean you’re getting where you want to go
🌿 Rooted in Reality
This isn’t about procrastinating.
And it’s definitely not about doing less just for the sake of it.
It’s about recognizing that how you show up to the work matters.
When you approach your to-do list with intention—not urgency for urgency’s sake—your energy lasts longer.
Your words sound more like you.
And the time you spend?
It actually moves things forward.
Because- it’s not just about getting things done.
It’s about getting there in a way that feels aligned—with who you are and what you’re building.
Join the Conversation ✨
📩 When was the last time you caught yourself doing something just to do it?
What helped you step back and reset your approach?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
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