Entrepreneurs are drivers and strivers. You have big dreams and you are willing to work hard to make things happen – but are you willing to work hard to have a good vacation? Probably not.
In “9 Rules for a Happier Vacation,” New York Times bestselling author and Harvard University professor Arthur Brooks shares why he has always struggled with taking vacations, and I’ll bet you have struggled as well.
Vacations are supposed to be fun and easy, right? How can you do a vacation the wrong way?
Well, I think you probably know the answer to that . . .
Do you actually relax when you’re on vacation? Do you separate from your business or do you check emails all day? Only checking emails first thing and at the end of the day isn’t helping you get the full benefits of a vacation, says Brooks.
In fact, Brooks has 9 rules that he recommends professionals follow to get the most out of your vacation. He says that taking the right kind of vacation will make you a happier person, both while you are on vacation and after your vacation.
His rules are as follows:
- Discern your motive
- Savor the anticipation
- Manage your expectations
- Break your trip into vacation-ettes
- Take fewer pictures
- Don’t post
- Leave work at home
- Come home early
- Brace yourself when you return
If you are the type of person who hasn’t taken a vacation in years, or who missed out on key moments with your family / friends because you felt like you had to work while you were on vacation, I highly recommend you watch the whole video.
Ditto for workaholics who would rather be throwing themselves into their work than taking a vacation. Brooks calls you “strivers” and says you are his people.
Did you know that anticipating and planning a trip can be as satisfying as actually going on the trip? Don’t delegate all of the planning to someone else or you will deprive yourself of some of the joy.
I think the eighth and ninth tips are really important. Coming home a day or two early, meaning before you are planning to go back to work, is a game-changer. Nothing will kill your vacation buzz faster than walking into complete chaos the day after coming home. It is much better to come home early, reintegrate into your normal life, wade through your emails, and do any necessary planning for your reentry into your business.
I was surprised that Brooks talked about the mixed emotions that can come up after a vacation. He recommends planning for integrating those emotions, and I think that is a great suggestion.
