„I’ve been on vacation, but I couldn’t rest.“
Many people I recently talked to feel alike – and especially leaders and solopreneurs seem to struggle to let go.
As we demand too much from ourselves every day – e.g. pushing ourselves towards next ideas, success and recognition – we also demand too much from our breaks. Hence, I believe it’s time to #reframe „The power of breaks“ as we honestly face all the power-dynamics within our lives.
If we tend to hustle – e.g. by over-performing, constant controlling of progress, chasing the next better idea or making sure „everyone is always fine“ – our mind and body is speeding at 150 km/h on an imaginary motorway. Researchers know how performance pressure spiked in the last 30 years, how our approach of working autonomous and accountable makes letting go within a break ever harder.
And even though there is no single recipe on „How to make my vacation restful“, I’ll share 3 proven habits of mine:
Habit 1: Knowing my business seasons
In my first 3 years of being a solopreneur, I curiously observed my business seasons. When are the high-times I want to be present to co-create solutions with my clients? When is a low-time allowing me to slow down, let go and take a break? Since I know my business seasons, I can go on vacation with total ease as I do so on intention. No fear of missing out or not being of valuable service exists anymore. As a corporate leader, the game is the same!
Habit 2: It’s a 3-step journey
Starting a longer vacation, I apply 3 steps. Firstly, I’m integrating a cooling-off phase. These are 2 or more days that allow me to stay at home. I do whatever I feel for, as sleeping more, doing daily sports, meeting a close friend or managing some private tasks of importance. Doing so, my gear goes from 6 to 3. Secondly, we are leaving our home to go on a trip. If one of us is in need of more rest, we are not traveling far and usually into nature. I’m inviting woods and movement to calm my nervous system. Lastly, I’m communicating to everyone a later return, building in ideally 2 days into my work-schedule that allow me to reconnect to work, process tasks and emails at a slower pace.
Habit 3: Recharging all year long
For the last 3 years, I have enjoyed each Friday as it became my „Focus day“. It’s the one day of my work-week that I’m not available for any meetings. It’s a full day of deep-diving into remaining tasks of the week, creating new offers or project results as well as setting myself up for the next 1-2 weeks. This day of focus allows me to regroup, feel aligned and prepared. It invites me to celebrate myself and let go for the weekend!
What’s one step you wish to take to have a restful vacation?
Send me an email and share along, hi@evagruber.org.