What Are You Waiting For? Schedule Some Much-Needed Time Off.
Have you looked at your calendar lately?
The sheer number of meetings, most back-to-back, make it seem impossible to take time off this week, next week, the week after, etc. If you are not managing your calendar, it will be managed for you. I see you nodding, and I bring the hopeful message that there is something you can do about it.
2023 is 4 months in - and if you are like me, you are asking where the time went. Have you taken one day off this year? A week? What are your most memorable moments this year? Kudos to the leaders out there who are living, who are getting the much needed rest and restoration that comes from unplugging. For the rest, for those who find yourself thinking: ‘It is April and I have yet to schedule any of my vacation days this year,’ you are not alone.
Open up your calendar now. No time like the present to flip the script, get intentional, and schedule time off this year. It is not important to know where you will go or what you will do. It is important to schedule time off. Now.
Let's say you have 25 days to use this year. How about scheduling 15 of them today? You know your more active times of year, you know your blackout dates, you know when your family members prefer to go on vacation. Identify 15 days you can block and hold as vacation days and mix it up. Take an entire week. Take a few long weekends. Take every Friday in December. Have fun with it! Revel in the beautiful, clean look of each fully blocked calendar day with the header: 'Vacation - Time for me!' at the top of the day.
When you complete this exercise, go home tonight and talk with those you love about doing the same thing. Can you all take time off together, do you want to take time for yourself, do you want to visit family or friends? Coordinate schedules to create memories another week at the office would not provide. Work will be there when you get back, and you will return refreshed and ready to go.
Another benefit of intentionally scheduling time off is having your team to cover for you while away. Ask stellar employees to attend meetings in your stead. Determine which team member will serve each client and introduce them to the client over a meal before you take time away. Use the opportunity to elevate your direct reports and free yourself from the obligation of staying in touch. Set an example that time off is important, is necessary, and is possible.
Calendar management is tricky, especially when many of the meetings leaders attend are not optional. Get a jump start on the remainder of 2023 and ensure you have the time for you to be with those you love or enjoy some solitude. Gift your future self and schedule the time today.
Note: The picture accompanying this week's blog post is from a recent vacation in Pittsburgh. Cheers to your 2023 travels!
Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving. Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching can have on you and your leadership.