Give Me a Break

In today's busy world of cell phones, email, text messages, voice mail, instant messenger, and who knows what else, it's easy to get sucked in to being "on call" all the time. When we are available and responsive at all times, we think we are doing the right thing--providing great service to our clients and accomplishing our goals. In short, we think we are being successful. This month I'd like to encourage you to think this one through. 

As a leader of others, you must be available--both physically and emotionally. The best leaders are 100% present when they are leading. However, human beings cannot be at one-hundred percent 100% of the time and do it well. In my lifelong struggle with wanting to be "perfect" I've learned too often how important it is to let go and get away once in awhile.

One of my clients and close friends said that she recently took a vacation and it changed her perspective. She said that before she took the time off she was:

• Losing perspective
• Turning little things into big issues
• Making stupid little errors
• Snapping at co-workers
• Dragging into work without her usual enthusiasm --feeling "burned out" 
• Considering finding a new job 

After the break she returned feeling restored and ready to work.  She said the time away (on the beach in San Diego) helped her remember why she does the important work she does.  She said her passion had returned.

When did you last take time off, completely away from the pressures of work? When was the last time you unplugged and allowed the voice mail to do its job? Summer is a good time of year to reflect and assess whether you are taking care of yourself.    Here are some tips for restoring your enthusiasm:

1. Plan at least one week away from work.  No calls, emails, text messages, nothing.  If you can, make it more than one week.  The time away gives your mind space to think. Life as you know it back at the office will go on without you.
    
2. Plan early.  For some, vacation time is easy to procrastinate.  Set the time aside on your calendar at least a year in advance if possible and guard it with your life.  Otherwise, something else will always come up.
    
3. Do something new and different and challenging during your time away.  If you can't go to a new location, try doing new activities.  Make it pleasurable and relaxing, whatever that means for you.
    
4. Let go.  When you begin to worry about things "back at work," refocus your attention to the now.  Where you are and who you are with right now is more important than what's going on somewhere else.  

My husband and I just returned from a mega-hiking trip, the Tour de Mont Blanc, (over 100 miles and over 30,000 foot elevation gain and loss). Without phones and emails, we had nothing else to focus on but the beauty around us and the wonderful people we were with. We both came back raring to go!

The strongest leaders take care of themselves so they can be the best servants to those who depend on them. I'd love to hear about your strategies for finding time to refresh.