Today is my first day back in the office in 32 days! Autoresponder emails have stopped, automated posts are finished, and I’m ready to finish out 2023!
My biggest goal for this year was to take the entire month of September off for the wedding and honeymoon (my now husband is my absolute best friend, and I wanted to fully be present for this experience). It was the best decision, and best goal I’ve ever reached- my family had never been happier, my now husband had never been happier, and I personally have never been happier. I cried daily over the simplest things- all because I committed to being fully in the moment for this major life event.
In seven years, I had never entirely “unplugged” from Hocus Pocus (think answering emails from a beach, or taking calls from a historical landmark- it was exhausting). Having the proper leadership team in place made all the difference- I can’t even describe how rewarding it was that I spent a total of 30 minutes working all of September. Returning to work today, I have a fire in my heart and a fresh perspective for our team, our clients, and our community.
In the hustle and bustle of our journeys and delving deep into our careers, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of over-productivity. We're constantly pushing ourselves to the limit- striving to achieve more, to do more, and to be more. But have you ever stopped to consider the toll this over-productivity might be taking on your mental health and overall well-being?
Over-productivity is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fuels our drive to succeed and propels us towards our goals (over-productivity and overachieving have been key motivators for me since grade school). On the other hand, it can lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of creativity. It's a delicate balance that I’ve been determined to manage for over three decades- I’m happy to report that I’m learning what works for me.
Travel is not just about exploring new places or taking a break from work. It's about resetting our minds, rejuvenating our spirits, and reigniting our creativity. When we travel (for ourselves and our wedding guests, 5000+ miles), we step out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves in new cultures, experiences, and perspectives. We meet new people, taste new foods, and see the world from a different view. This broadens our horizons and stimulates our minds in ways that our regular work environment simply cannot.
Travel also gives us the opportunity to disconnect from our work and daily routines. This disconnect is crucial for our mental health. It allows us to relax, recharge, and return to our work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
Travel can spark new ideas and inspire innovation. As a business owner, I’m always on the lookout for fresh ideas and unique solutions. Traveling exposes us to different ways of thinking and problem-solving, which can fuel our entrepreneurial creativity.
The next time you find yourself caught in the cycle of over-productivity, consider taking a break and embarking on a journey (bonus points if it’s UNPLUGGED). Whether it's a weekend getaway to a nearby city or a month-long adventure across the globe, this can do wonders for your mind. It changes you for the best (in turn, your team receives the best version of you to lead them)!
Productivity is important, but so is overall well-being. Don't let the pressure of over-productivity overshadow the joy of your career. Take time to disconnect, reset your mind, and reignite your spirit.
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