Literally, Pura Vida means ‘pure life.’ But here in Costa Rica, it means so much more. It’s how people greet one another, say goodbye, give thanks, and express joy and hope—even in the face of challenge.

In the 1950s, post civil war and inspired by a Mexican film of the same name, Pura Vida entered the national psyche and grew into a unifying identity based on peace, community, and nature. Through many decades, it’s also become a rallying cry for unhurried, intentional living.

For us this phrase is a powerful re-framing for today’s challenges: Life in its undiluted, undistracted, purest form isn’t about racing to keep pace—it’s about standing on purpose and principle.

Here are four takeaways you can apply right now to embrace the Pura Vida Performance Mindset.

Pura Vida starts with awareness. Don’t rush moments. Live in them. Presence is your power, so fully experience what you’re doing.

Success isn’t just about big wins. It’s finding fuel in the everyday—sunrises, conversations, meals, progress. Gratitude is momentum.

In Costa Rica, people rarely pursue perfection or stress about the unknown. And it’s amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of what you can’t control and simply follow the flow. They say, “Tranquilo, todo está bien.” (“Relax, it’s all good.”)

Spend time in nature, seeing it as a teacher with inexhaustible lessons. For instance, at the intersection of three tectonic plates, Costa Rica experiences about 12,000 earthquakes per year (only 300-400 are strong enough to be felt by humans). And the buildings and mindsets are engineered to absorb them. As our guide Alan said, “They don’t happen to us. They’re a part of us.”

Pura Vida isn’t passive. Its presence, simplicity, and joy… in motion. So the next time someone asks, “how are you doing?” answer “Pura Vida.” I’m living fully. And now you know another way to say and stay Off Balance On Purpose.