Chapter 1: Reflecting on Past Vacation Habits

Returning to work after a vacation often brings a mix of feelings, but for me, it was different this time. I came back fully recharged, incredibly motivated, and at peace.

LionsDive, Willemstad, Curaçao

My Previous Vacation Mindset

I must admit, I wasn't the best at truly enjoying my time off. Typically, I would be found lounging by the pool or on the beach, decked out in swim shorts, sunglasses, and sunscreen, while simultaneously scrolling through social media and replying to work emails. Often, I’d even join one or two crucial conference calls or quickly check in with my team to make sure everything was running smoothly.

Before hitting the hay, I’d glance at my phone to see if any issues were resolved, and first thing in the morning, I’d check for any pressing matters.

The outcome of this behavior was that I was neither fully present on vacation nor fully engaged at work.

The Cost to My Well-Being

Staying plugged in took a toll on my health. By refusing to disconnect, I remained entangled in the daily hustle, decision-making, and problem-solving, leading to the same stress levels, albeit in a more tropical setting.

A Long List of Excuses

I had a plethora of justifications for this behavior:

• My colleagues couldn't manage without me, even with a vast team of 64,999.
• Some decisions absolutely required my input as a key decision-maker.
• I didn’t want to slow down the team, so staying connected felt necessary.
• At least I wouldn't return to a mountain of unread emails.
• Reading emails was akin to catching up on the news; I could do both.
• Working during vacations demonstrated my commitment, which was beneficial for my career.
• And countless other self-deceptions.

Transforming My Approach

“I can only grow into a better version of myself by prioritizing my well-being.”

Yesterday marked my return to the office after a refreshing two-and-a-half-week summer vacation. For the first time, I felt invigorated, eager, and more than ready to tackle my responsibilities.

The secret? I successfully achieved all the vacation goals I set for myself, elevating my personal and professional maturity. Setting objectives is a straightforward method to hold oneself accountable. The ultimate reward? Dopamine!

Before diving into my goals, let’s consider the ‘why.’ Isn’t setting goals during vacation counterintuitive?

I genuinely enjoy establishing goals in both my work and personal life. They help outline a desired future state and motivate me toward tangible results. Accomplishing clear, specific, and measurable objectives instills a profound sense of achievement, making my time feel meaningful. Plus, achieving goals triggers dopamine release in the brain.

That's why I relish goal-setting, even during vacation. I crave the feeling of accomplishment and seek growth, even while I’m away. Setting a goal doesn’t equate to constant busyness. For workaholics, an excellent target could be “spend at least two days on the beach without checking work emails and play racket ball for a minimum of 60 minutes.”

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

The goals I set were intentionally designed to stretch beyond my usual routines. For instance, “Reading the newspaper every morning” wouldn’t hold much weight for me. Conversely, I avoided “don’t do this” goals like “Avoid looking at work emails for ten days.” While meaningful, I opted for goals that yielded measurable, tangible outcomes.

Here are the three goals I established:

1. Publish three articles by the end of the vacation.
2. Complete one EDM demo using Ableton.
3. Snorkel daily and participate in at least one snorkel excursion.

Celebrating Successes

Results matter, and even if outcomes don’t match expectations, witnessing what I created and learning from it provides immense satisfaction. Here’s how I fared with my vacation goals:

Goal 1: Publish Three Articles

I ended up publishing four articles on Medium! I signed up for a premium account and consumed numerous articles aimed at beginner writers. I also delved into several success stories shared on the platform. This experience taught me patience in the creative writing process, and I see it as a launchpad for more articles.

The articles I wrote include:

• Project Planning for Non-Project Managers: A Simple Guide
• I Decline Meetings by Default: How It Boosted My Productivity
• Three Essential Skills for a Chief of Staff in 2023
• I Replaced 'But' with 'And': The Profound Impact

Goal 2: Complete One EDM Demo

Having dabbled with Ableton previously but halted for no reason, I pushed myself to restart my music composition journey. With a background in music from years of piano and house music composition, this goal was a great way to rekindle my passion.

Goal 3: Snorkel Daily

My wife and I share a deep love for the sea. Although we aren't strong swimmers, we relish exploring the underwater world. The vibrant marine life and stunning corals are a sight to behold, especially compared to what we see back home in The Netherlands. While this goal was not overly challenging, it brought immense joy.

Debunking My Self-Deceptions

Ultimately, I disproved all the excuses I had made for myself.

Insights and Key Takeaways

Achieving goals boosts energy levels and prompts the brain to release dopamine. I discovered that setting specific, measurable objectives during vacation can produce significant outputs. A clear purpose—whether learning a new skill, creating content, or expanding knowledge—also kept me from mindlessly scrolling through social media.

A practical tip is to steer clear of “don’t do this” goals, as they often yield little to no tangible results. Telling someone not to think of a pink elephant makes them think of it even more!

Feedback from my colleagues was overwhelmingly positive. By fully disconnecting and not engaging in half-hearted work, it allowed my team to make decisions without needing my input. More importantly, some colleagues shared that my goal-setting and the results I achieved inspired them.

What Are Your Vacation Goals?

As you plan your next getaway, consider setting your own goals. Perhaps you could paint the view from your room or beach, learn a new skill, or visit all the golf courses within a 50-mile radius. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or reach out to me at [email protected]!

Chapter 2: The Importance of Taking a Holiday

Taking a break is crucial for personal development and rejuvenation. The following video discusses the value of vacations in fostering self-improvement.

The second video titled "The Value of Taking a Holiday | Self Development Through Vacation" explores how time off can significantly enhance your personal growth journey.