Getting Away

I am writing this on a flight from Vail to Chicago after getting away on an amazing ski trip with 3 close friends. As I reflect on the last four days where my biggest responsibility was making the 8:30 lift, and my most critical decision was choosing which run to take, I realize I am heading to my Chicago meeting fully energized. I haven’t thought about office politics or work challenges in the past 5 days.

Just prior to leaving I had lunch with two college buddies. Both are very successful business people. One of them just survived a bout of meningitis. He mentioned that he had only taken one vacation in the past three years, and that vacation included his 3 children, all under 6 years old. I love my children, but traveling with them when they were very young was no vacation. I felt the need to give him my thoughts.

When I get away without my family, it gives me a chance to reflect on how lucky I am. While I miss them, I find that my time away reenergizes my relationship with my wife, and brings me the opportunity to truly appreciate for my children.

I also find that some of my best ideas come from conversations I have with friends that work in different businesses. I purposely plan my trips with friends that add to the experience–dynamic intelligent people with big personalities. They bring a fresh perspective and come up with ideas that neither I, nor my colleagues at work would think of.

If you are a guy and you have the means, plan on getting away for a boys trip. For women, plan a girls trip. If you are in a healthy relationship, your significant other should encourage this, and should also plan a trip on his/her own. It doesn’t need to be extravagant, just something that can take your focus away from your responsibilities and the daily pressures of life. While you’re at it, make it an annual event.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also, if you take my advice, send pictures.