From A Bias for Action:
The simple fact is that being busy is easier than not. Most managers cannot admit that a fragmented day is actually the laziest day, the day that requires the least mental discipline and the most nervous energy. Responding to each new request, chasing an answer to the latest question, and complaining about overwhelming demands are easier than setting priorities.
I’ve found it worthy of reflection to note that “Busy-ness” in English translates to “Negocios” in Spanish.