In this post, we’ll explain all you need to know about action and activity, defining exactly what they are, the differences between them, which is best and more.
What Is Action?
Action is based on knowing what your goal is and acting in an intentional manner with purpose and discipline that aligns with that goal. Action is movement with strategy.
What Is Activity?
Activity is the illusion of action without the driver of purpose and discipline that is grounded in knowing what your goal is. Activity is movement without strategy.
The Differences Between Action & Activity
Action is moving for the sake of achieving. Activity is moving for the sake of moving. Action moves us closer to our goals and the life we desire. Activity makes us think we are moving closer to our goals and the life we desire, but in reality, we’re not.
For example, joining the gym is a form of activity, while actually attending the gym and working out on a regular basis is a form of action.
Action Versus Activity Table Summary
Below is a table summarising the differences between action and activity.
| Action | Activity |
|---|---|
| Purposeful | Purposeless |
| Response | Reaction |
| Intentional | Unintentional |
| Productive | Unproductive |
The Key To Success
The key to success is to ensure that everything we do is aligned with our goals and the quality of life we desire. In other words, success comes from action.
When we consider the 80/20 Principle which states that the majority of effects come from the minority of causes, this makes sense. Identifying the most important actions allows us to achieve our desires quicker and more efficiently.
“Action is the prerequisite to success.”
Summary (TL;DR)
Action is any behaviour that does align with a pre-determined goal. Activity is any behaviour that doesn’t align with a pre-determined goal.
The key to success is to ensure that everything we do has a purpose and is ultimately aligned with our goals and the life we desire.
