How much is a day of distraction really costing you?

"Creation over consumption. Courage over comfort. That’s where real leadership lives.."— James McPartland

It’s a question that echoes in the minds of many high-achieving executives: Am I truly living… or just existing? After scaling the summit of success, it’s not uncommon to look around and wonder—Was this even the right mountain?

Let's be honest - we've all fallen into the trap of seeking approval, haven't we? Like that moment when you hold back a brilliant but unconventional idea in a board meeting, just to avoid the raised eyebrows of your peers. It's a bit like having a masterpiece painting and keeping it wrapped in bubble wrap, forever protected but never seen.

Here’s the irony: we spend years mastering our craft, building reputations, developing bold strategies—only to shrink in moments that call for our full presence. Think about it - would Apple be Apple if Steve Jobs had worried about whether everyone would like the first iPhone?

Here's a truth that might sting a little: you can't stand out and fit in at the same time. It's like trying to be a purple zebra in a herd - you either embrace your unique stripes or blend into the black and white. The most successful leaders I've worked with didn't get there by playing it safe. They got there by being willing to be different, to be criticized, and sometimes, to be wrong.

Consider your typical day. Are you creating it, or is it creating you? When you check your phone first thing in the morning, are you choosing to consume before you create? It's like starting your day by eating dessert before the main course - sure, it's sweet, but it won't fuel your best performance.

Many executives spend hours in insecurity work—tasks that feel productive, like research and prep, but actually delay progress. It’s polished procrastination. Reclaiming that time for creative, strategic thinking isn’t just helpful, it’s transformative. When you shift from reacting to creating, innovation and clarity follow.

Now let’s talk numbers. If your time is worth $1,000 an hour (and for many, it’s worth far more), what’s the daily cost of living in reaction mode? Multiply that by 365, and realize just how expensive existing can be.

The solution isn’t about massive change. It’s about intentional, powerful choices. Treat your attention like the scarce asset it is. Try this: “create before you consume.” Give yourself the first hour. Use it to think, to write, to move the needle.

At the end of your career, you won’t regret the bold moves. You’ll regret the times you chose invisibility over impact, comfort over courage, survival over purpose.

So let me ask you again:

Are you creating your day, or is your day creating you?

Because while you’re deciding… time isn’t waiting.

Mac 😎