Another lesson I learned in 2011 is to rest on your vacation.
This past Christmas I was fortunate to spend 11 days on vacation in Alaska with my family. It was an awesome time and I am grateful that my job allows me have to spend on vacations and have time away from work.
I have learned that when I take vacations I need to relax.
Many times here on the Learning Leadership Blog I have mentioned that leaders often work very hard because they are passionate about what they do. Because leaders have a vision for what they want to accomplish and the change they want to create in the world it causes them to work long hours and take very little time off. I am this same way. When on vacation I want to work, work, and work a little more. However, I have learned to channel that drive and tone it down while on vacation.
Through the years I have realized the importance of taking time off to relax and recharge because it helps prevent burnout which is something nonprofit leaders encounter much too often.
While on vacation I have allow myself to simply have no rules. When preparing to go on vacation I might think about a few things I want to do while on vacation and work on, but I create no "I need to get this done" agendas to accomplish. If I get work done, great. If not, then that is okay too.
For me I have found this formula most productive for me while on vacation:
- Wake up before anyone else to enjoy my quiet time alone
- Work for a little while under everyone in the house begins to wake up
- Engage in family activities for the rest of the day
- Later in the evening maybe sneak away to read or do some work
The key here is that I have no strict roles or goals of what I am trying to accomplish.
Because you are probably like me, a leader who works very hard, be sure that you take time to rest while on vacation.
Question: How do you take time to relax on vacation?
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