You don’t have to try harder and post more. You have to get more clarity on what you do. Find your ‘why’. Your purpose.

As a new year begins, most people set goals. Very few build the discipline, clarity, and mindset required to actually follow through.

In today’s episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with one of the most direct, no-nonsense voices in business to talk about productivity with purpose, cutting through distractions, and doing the work that actually moves the needle.

This conversation is for anyone who’s tired of talking about change, and ready to commit to it.

What we cover in today’s episode:

• Why productivity without purpose leads to burnout

• How to stop overthinking and start executing

• The difference between being busy and being effective

• Why clarity beats motivation every single time

• How to build habits that actually stick in the new year

• What most people get wrong about success and discipline

• How to make 2026 the year you finally take ownership of your life and career

Brad Burton is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author, best known as the founder of 4Networking, one of the UK’s largest and most successful business networking organisations.

With decades of experience building communities, businesses, and people, Brad is known for his straight-talking, action-first approach to success. He challenges excuses, calls out comfort zones, and helps individuals and leaders reconnect with purpose, accountability, and momentum.

You can find Brad on LinkedIn, YouTube, and through his books and speaking work, where he continues to push people to stop waiting and start doing.

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome

02:00 Why most New Year goals fail

04:05 Top 3 takeaways you’ll gain from this episode

06:10 Productivity vs purpose — why both matter

09:22 The danger of being “busy”

12:01 Clarity as the real productivity hack

15:45 Breaking the cycle of procrastination

19:20 Discipline over motivation

22:58 Habits that create long-term results

27:10 How to reset your mindset for 2026

31:40 Advice Brad would give his younger self

35:15 Final message: ownership, action, and execution

If you learned something new from this episode, do me a huge favor: double-check that you’re subscribed, follow the show, and rate this episode 5 stars. It’s the single best way to help us bring you more amazing guests and tools to help you live your best life ever. Now, go out there and make this your best year yet!

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