It is always quite amazing to talk to people who pride themselves on how busy they are. They can't get a minute to call and say hello or meet for some coffee because there's just so much to do and so little time! I wonder does it occur to these people that I get 24 just like they do? In my conversation with Joshua (who had the time to meet for lunch today), we talked about this and explored the differences in other cultures. It is often said that the British live for their holidays, saving up for a special time away somewhere they haven't yet been or simply getting out of town to relax. However, to take 2 months of vacation within a year seems like it would be a crime before retirement in America. Why? Are we concerned about how people would view our work ethic or do we just not have the resources to do so? I think it could be a mix of both, but I also think there are ways around it.



Let me address the stigma that vacationing has been associated with in this country. People view this as a time to lie on a white sandy beach and drink from a coconut with an umbrella straw. Thoughts of vacations conjure up visions of being completely lazy, not having to do anything but be present in the moment. As luxuriously enticing as that might sound, this is only one type of vacation. This type of vacation gets old after about a week because the body needs activity as much as it craves rest. Vacations should be a time to learn and subconsciously strengthen ones awareness of the world around them. They should be an opportunity to find out what it is you lack in your world that is normal elsewhere while resting ones work-mode brain. I know of people who take vacations in developing countries to remind themselves of just how good they have it here but also of how little happiness has to do with having 'stuff'. Plus, you will be challenged to use both parts of your brain in communicating with others be it at an airport or your vacation spot if you choose to engage with other cultures. Keeping your brain exercised will help you age more gracefully – something that every cosmetic company seems to cashing in on by the bottle these days. So people who take periodic vacations are not lazy, irresponsible individuals, they might be the smartest of the bunch!



If you've taken the time to notice lately, the most effective people are not those who put in the longest hours at work and spend their time at home doing more work. They are those people who plan their time effectively so that they have time to play enough to work and work enough to play. Having the resources to take time off from work without having to worry about lost wages is something that becomes more common as you go up the professional ladder. However, the now busiest man in the country, our President Barack Obama, finds the time to go out on the town with his family and friends because he understands the importance of such balance. They are not taking time and money-consuming trips across the world to enjoy time together; with or without money there are things to do and places to see. The local paper is usually full of free and affordable weekend events (mini mind vacations). And if you do just need some time to relax and rest your mind, there's no place like home with a scented candle in a corner and your favorite couch!



So try and catch yourself when you want to use the excuse: "I'm too busy these days," and instead, accept the offer to meet a friend for some coffee on a Wednesday evening. I'll bet you'll feel better about being at work when you're happier outside work and perhaps, you will do what needs to be done in those sweet 8 hours and not be so busy after all!

Do you believe people use busy as an excuse?

-O