Embracing busyness to escape boredom

Most people prize “being busy.” They proclaim it with pride as if it’s a badge of honor.

But extremely successful people don’t tolerate busywork or distraction. Because most of the time "busyness" is nothing more than distraction and procrastination from what really matters.

Ages ago, when people were busy trying to survive, boredom wasn’t a choice. They spent all their time securing food or shelter.

We are now overstimulated — easy access to infinite entertainment options is feeding boredom rather than discouraging it.

• A form of anxiety. We search for external antidote to boredom: Netflix, a device, company to rescue us.
• Rooted in fear. We are afraid of being alone with ourselves and paying attention to who we are.
• The realization that what really makes us feel bored is o...