Leadership Minute: The Perfect Vacation Strategy

At the end of January, most of us are already dreaming of summer vacations. Plan them with intention

January can often feel like an uphill climb. The warmth and cheer of the holidays has faded, and the fresh motivation of the New Year often gives way to the overwhelming weight of reality. This is why it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your vacation strategy for the year.

Too many leaders either never take a break or don’t unplug long enough to get the benefits of some real rest and relaxation. Not only are they short-changing themselves, but they may also be missing an opportunity for people to step up on their teams and failing to design processes that can function effectively without them.

The most effective, high-achieving leaders I know are healthy and well-balanced. They achieve that balance by taking time to recharge, avoiding the burnout that does much more damage to both leaders and organizations.

If you are waiting around for the perfect time to take your dream trip or just a few days off, there is no perfect time. If you don't actively work to take trips like the ones below, my experience is that such vacations just will not happen. Pick a time, pick a place and go, even if it’s just for a weekend.

To give yourself different types of fulfillment and a wider perspective, my advice is: don't just take one vacation each year, make a good effort to take one of each of the below.