I was fortunate to spend the last week on vacation with my family.  My goal was centered around them.  I put such a priority on business so many weeks of the year, I should have the luxury and ability to shift that focus at least once in a given year.  I try to do the same thing when I have a day off here and there for a long weekend, but rarely do I get a sustained period of time.

I love my job, enjoy working and like to work hard at it.  When I’m at work, I am all in, putting my full energy and focus into what I am doing.  My intent is to end the day going just as strong, with as much energy as I started the day.  The same goes for my vacation.  I actually like a very laid back vacation and do not overplan it, so that does not mean that I am going a mile a minute with activity while on vacation.  However, when my kids are on the trip, they receive my whole focus.  They get my energy.  When they want to play, we play.  When they demand my attention, they get it.  So the philosophy is the same; the focus is different.  I was absolutely thrilled when my wife took notice and commented to that affect in an Instagram post from our vacation because it was just a little validation that I am living up to my goal.

During most weeks, my schedule dictates my activity and who I spend time with.  On vacation, I don’t have a schedule or an agenda, but am very intentional about who I spend time with.  I work very hard to make sure each of my children get focused one on one time with me.  I also work hard to make sure my wife and I get some downtime together.  Its amazing how many subjects we need to discuss, but somehow, don’t seem to get ample time when we are home trying to keep up with life.

I manage my stress of not knowing what is going on with the business by checking in each evening after the kids go to bed.  This timing is on purpose.  For one it prevents me from being distracted while my kids are awake and after a whole day together, it is understandable that I could take a little time for work.  During the trip I purposefully leave my phone in the hotel room, in a drawer so it cannot distract me.  It is also a time when no one is in the office.  If I want to interact, email is my best option.  Of course, in our modern age, most of my team would respond via text, but I try to avoid it.  My basic goal during this time is to check in and respond to any urgent email or text messages.  The rest I simply triage with flags for further follow up.  This simple act which requires minimal time really helps as I reintegrate back into work life upon my return and helps me de-stress by knowing at least a little of what is going on without me.

My unavailability provides a unique team development opportunity.  I oftentimes struggle to stay out of the way and not involve myself in projects when I am in the office.  However, when I am out and unavailable my team gets to operate without my distractions and have an opportunity to show what they are capable of without my oversight.  This may actually be just as valuable as the recharge I receive from taking time off.  Not only do I return refreshed, but there is a strong likelihood that I am coming back to a stronger team.

Even my vacations have intentional objectives and purpose, making the most of every day is just what I do.  My life is ultimately made up of a finite number of days, so why not make the most of each I’m given, whether or not that involves work is just a detail.