How Living in Costa Rica Changed My Mindset
Oct 14, 2024Living in a foreign country can profoundly alter one's outlook on life, work, and well-being. Shannon shared that her four-year journey in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, led to significant personal and professional growth. This blog post delves into the key lessons Shannon learned and how they can help anyone looking to balance hustle with mindfulness, patience, and community connection.
Before moving to Costa Rica, Shannon was deeply immersed in the hustle culture, chasing Inbox Zero, hitting deadlines, and winning praises. She found immense satisfaction in checking off items on her to-do list. However, Costa Rica taught her a valuable lesson about patience and living at a slower pace. Shannon realized she needed to embrace the unpredictable nature of life and enjoy the process rather than focusing solely on end goals. "You will never be done," she explained, recognizing that the pursuit of a zero tasks to-do list is endless. This realization led her to become more patient and forgiving with herself and others, reducing stress and increasing overall happiness.
In Costa Rica, Shannon noted that the concept of time and urgency is different. Local service providers often operate on their own schedules, sometimes resulting in delays and unfinished tasks. Initially stressful, Shannon and her husband learned that these delays were not out of malice but rather due to different prioritizations and values. By diligently following up and confirming schedules, they found a balance that allowed coexistence with the local culture, always assuming good intentions.
A significant change Shannon experienced was the stronger sense of community in Costa Rica. Unlike in the United States, where people often remain isolated within their homes and engage more on social media than in-person, she found that the Costa Rican culture was inherently more connected. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sense of community in Costa Rica was a refreshing shift. Neighbors would help each other out, look after each other's homes, and invite newcomers to local events. This engagement and community support have been sources of immense joy and lower stress levels for Shannon and her family.
People in Costa Rica are more present and engaged with their surroundings. Kids play outside, people make eye contact, and greetings are common. This level of engagement taught Shannon the importance of living in a tight-knit community. She shared that the flexibility she learned from Costa Rica's unpredictable daily life—be it power outages or unexpected visitors—was applied to her business, Keep What You Earn Co. Shannon ensures that her employees' schedules are not filled to the brim, allowing them to manage unexpected events without tipping into burnout. "You have to give yourself margin. If you don’t, you’ll consistently be on the edge of burnout," she said.
While financial benefits from living in Costa Rica are tangible—what Shannon calls "lifestyle arbitrage"—the joy and peace from being part of such a community are invaluable. This move wasn't purely financial but a "joy play," a conscious choice to prioritize happiness alongside professional success. Shannon's journey is a testament to the powerful shifts that come from embracing a slower, more connected way of life. For those feeling trapped in relentless hustle culture, her experience offers a roadmap to balance, patience, and community. Consider taking a page from Shannon’s book and explore how a change in environment and mindset can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.
What you'll hear in this episode:
04:16 Embrace the journey; tasks are perpetually ongoing.
07:49 Be patient, assume good intentions, trust process.
11:28 Be flexible and leave room for unexpected events.
13:37 Community importance for managing stress and burnout.
18:40 Appreciate US conveniences; Costa Rica enhances life.
If you like this episode, check out:
Silence These Voices In Order to Succeed
How Can You Shake Off Business Boredom and Thrive?
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The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.
