“It is not enough to be busy – so are ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”

-Henry David Thoreau

We live in a culture which praises multitasking and scoffs at those who live slowly and purposefully. At every moment we’re expected to be plugged in, accessible, working, creating, responding, consuming, and collaborating.

It’s important to slow down and ask yourself: What am I busy for?

Are we busy just to look important? Are we busy to impress others? Are we busy because we feel we have to be? Are we running at light speed to avoid soul searching? Are we laying foundation for the life we dream of living? Or are we busy because we can’t appreciate stillness and self-reflection?

What will be left after the the dust settles? What are the results of the flailing and frantic “rush” we create daily? At the end of it all: are you proud of your accomplishments or have you simply managed to survive another day?

“Busy” without a deeper purpose and plan is pointless. In fact, it can even be harmful as it increases stress and can lead to burnout. If you find yourself addicted to being busy – make sure you’re working towards a purpose deeper than survival.

There’s something beautiful in work hard, but make sure to keep your long term goals and dreams in mind each step of the way!