At the end of July, I was out of the country, spending some much needed time with family. Of course, being away and all, Substack wasn't exactly front of mind for me (save for some drafting I did for clients). But now that I've had some time to settle back into the ol' routine here at home, I wanted to share some takeaways that you might find helpful. Whether it's getting started with your writing process or just trying to get started on that project that you've been meaning to get to, a vacation just might hold the answers you need to serve as the catalyst.
1. Expect the unexpected (but don’t sweat it)
On the international leg of our vacation, we encountered one very weird thing on the plane (which was actually pretty annoying, when I really think about it). Let me try my best to explain it. You know how in front of your seat, there’s usually that space where you can stuff a backpack or something rather? You would think in the middle row of 5 seats, there would be a space accompanying the front of each seat. Well, on this not-to-be-named airline, there were four of these. The long-short of that is that you have to awkwardly share that space with a stranger (for me, that was the man sitting to my left). This, of course, caused an unexpected annoyance as neither of us could stow a bag there, so the cabin crew had to find some random spot on the plane for our bags.
Now, that sure was a lot to say, but stay with me for a moment. I say all of that to say that you may encounter some unexpected bumps in the road when it comes to your particular process. Maybe the coffee machine breaks. Or maybe you encounter difficulties that affect you personally. Feel what you need to feel in those moments, for sure. But don’t let the negativity of those moments suck you in. In the case of my plane trip, it was probably annoying for all of one hour, but then I refocused because I knew I had a fun vacation ahead. Similarly, life’s bumps in the road may be bothersome at the time, but do know that there are good times ahead. Times when putting in the effort towards your process, despite challenges, is going to pay off (in positive dividends, the best kind!).
(Unrelated, but if you plan to go sock mode on a long-haul flight, be prepared for the stranger next to you to do so as well. If you end up with this odd seat situation that I described above, the lack of space in front of you may result in your feet touching. Of course, that didn't happen to me, so I can't say if such an experience affected me at all… *cough cough*)
2. Show real appreciation towards the real ones
I won’t sugar-coat it: the place we traveled to is riddled with poverty. It’s a sad situation, because so many there are working hard for what amounts to a barely livable wage. And yet they offer world-class service with humility and a smile. So I made sure to show my appreciation in actually talking to these lovely people, and tipping where I could. It was the very least I could do for all of these professionals who deserve so much better.
How does that translate to you, the person building a process or developing a positive mindset? Don’t forget to show appreciation for the people in your life who have filled your life with loving support. If you have a parent, a sibling, friends, or associates that have been there for you, one way or the other? Tell them that you appreciate them. Thank them, every time they helped you in your journey. Did Steve cover you for that meatball sub at that cool fusion restaurant when times were tough? Did MJ give you a positive word and a warm hug when you felt like giving up on your goals? Say thank you. A kind word (whether in person, phone, text, or even fun card) goes a long way. You may not be returning the favor in a monetary way, but you are doing so in a way that counts a whole lot more: in strengthened human connection.
3. Enjoy the journey
Any vacation will have its fair share of hiccups. But it will also have its unforgettable moments. That incredible meal, those awesome friends and family (even the ones that got you to do a self-care night, the same night you cooked up some steak), and the wonderful people that you met throughout your time away. And yes, there’s also the breathtaking views and exotic destinations. There’s so much good in a trip that can fill you with appreciation. A lot that can really make it an enjoyable getaway.
How can we apply this to… well, work (arguably, the very opposite of a vacation)? In building your business, or business workflow, or even the mindset shift you need for whatever you’re trying to find success in, it’s important to enjoy the process. Yes, there will be headaches and pain points along the way. Things may fail or break. But don’t let a small setback hold you back from the huge victories that are just ahead. Instead, savor every single victory. The new skills you picked up along the way, the new relationships you forged (as well as the current ones you strengthened), or even your first client. Celebrate all of those moments and let them serve as the fuel you need to keep going. When you do, you’ll truly enjoy the journey that you’re on.
A successful vacation is more than just a trip
You may plan all you want and still not have the ideal vacation happen for you. When that happens, you really only went on a trip. But when all of the pieces fall into place, when you come back feeling refreshed or like you could’ve been gone for one more week? Now that’s a vacation. A truly refreshing experience that gives you a new level of appreciation for what you planned so hard for.
And when building towards something new in our lives, we want to feel a similar way. The three things may be helpful to keep in mind, but don’t think by any means that these are the only things that matter. It may very well be the case that there are additional things that are helpful for you in this process. Just remember, plan and work in a way that contributes towards success that feels successful for you. After all, you’re the one that will define what success looks like for yourself. Just like you’re the planner of your own successful vacation. And when that planning goes well, you’ll be refreshed and ready to keep going for another milestone that you’ll appreciate.
What are some of your takeaways from your last major life event? Let me know in the comments below!