Why Are We So Busy?

One of the things I love about our regular visits to Costa Rica is the attitude I develop when I'm there. Gone is the rushing from task to task. Absent are the demands to finish a project or get to an appointment on time. I'm relaxed, I'm present, and I enjoy the people and place.

When I return, the responsibilities of running a multi-million dollar company come rushing back, and although I love what I do, it still is pressure. The good part is that it seems every time I return, I bring with me a different perspective. I try my best to bring back that sense of presence.

A lot of my attitude has to do with the attitude of the Costa Ricans. They aren't lazy - in fact they're very hard working folks. They simply don't buy into the necessity that they be busy...all the time.

How many times have you said hello to a friend and asked how they were doing...and their answer was BUSY? Probably more often than not! But why is that? Why are we so busy?

I think it's time to stop the glorification of busy. We need to instead focus on prioritizing what's important; enjoy the journey; enjoy our family and friends; and we need to be ok with being alone with our devices turned OFF. Go for a walk or hike. Read a book. Meditate.

All of this stress and device addiction is aging us, making us unhealthy and limiting our enjoyment of life. I'm sure you've heard it before, but no one on their death bed says "I wish I would have worked more." It's true!

Try this test: Next week, pay attention to how you really spend your day - what is truly a necessity, what you stress about and how much time is spent happy and enjoying life. Use this as a basis to prioritize your days and your life.

And resolve to reduce your device use - even just a little bit.

Here's wishing you a happy, stress-free Memorial Day weekend!

Peter Krull is CEO & Director of Investments at Earth Equity Advisors, LLC, a leading socially and environmentally responsible investment management firm in Asheville, NC.