Stop Being a Busy Fool
This episode of PT Launch Lab features Mark Crossfield — a father, engineer, and high-performance productivity mentor — who breaks down what it means to stop being a “busy fool.” We dive deep into why time isn’t the problem, but energy leaks are; how to run your life like a business; and what PTs, business owners and high-performing individuals can do to reclaim focus, systems and sanity. If you're drowning in to-do lists, running on chaos, and chasing the next fire — this episode is your reset button.
“You don’t have a time problem. You have an energy leak.” That’s one of the standout messages in this power-packed episode of PT Launch Lab with our guest Mark Crossfield – a dad, husband, engineer, and content creator from Pontefract who has built a loyal audience sharing hard-won lessons in productivity, time ownership, and self-leadership.
🔥 Why This Episode Matters
In today’s fitness industry, trainers and business owners are juggling more than ever: client sessions, side hustles, family responsibilities, social media content, and personal goals. But are you being productive, or just busy?
Mark calls this being a “busy fool” — and in this episode, we unpack what that really means and how to stop it.
🎙️ Key Conversation Highlights
Why time isn’t the problem — energy is
“Everyone has 24 hours. You don’t lack time, you lack priorities.”
From 9-to-5 to passion projects Mark shares how a failed side business in 2017 became the catalyst for rebuilding his life with boundaries, planning, and reflection.
Productivity systems that actually work From time-blocking calendars to weekly self-audits and quarterly reflections, Mark breaks down how he runs his life like a business — and why it works.
What it means to ‘course correct’ like a plane Life is chaotic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t steer it. Mark shares the power of consistent small pivots and why you should expect turbulence.
Stop chasing the urgent — focus on what matters We explore the 80/20 of business: 80% of your time pays the bills, but the 20% is what builds the future.
🧠 Wisdom for Personal Trainers & Business Owners
Whether you’re deep into your PT career or just getting started, Mark’s message hits home:
Set non-negotiables (daily movement, reflection, routines)
Replace to-do lists with calendar time-blocking
Recognise when you’re firefighting — and take a pause
Focus on actions over perfection: start scrappy
Create boundaries in both your business and your brain
“We react when we hit a wall. The goal is to pause before that wall ever hits.”
📈 Real Talk on Growth & Content
Mark also opens up about his social media journey — posting daily, facing burnout, and coming back stronger. We discuss:
How authenticity beats perfection
The trap of content that “sounds AI”
Why your lowest point might be your best start
Why creating content for yourself is often where it begins
💬 Final Words from Mark
“Don’t be a busy fool. Stop. Reflect. Recalibrate. You do have time — you just need to protect it.”