I just got back from Washington D.C., initially for a conference (where I learned a lot and became reinvigorated in economic development) but stayed a couple of days to enjoy the city, reflect, and recharge before the consistent grind I will have in Dallas this fall. It’s probably one of the best choices I made this year. I was starting to flame out, and was starting to get discouraged. Though I couldn’t afford a vacation (timing’s bad), I was able to hang out with friends and see new sights in a different land, where I’m just one of many, so I can refuel for Dallas.
I want to share a few points I thought of on my flight home:
It’s important to have a different environment for reflection/reset
I’ve tried to have stay-cations, or relax in Dallas, but it doesn’t work for me. I’m involved in too many things that can pull my attention from resting, therefore not being productive. For me, I have to physically remove myself from my day-to-day tasks in order to disconnect from it entirely. This doesn’t have to be the case for everyone, as people can lock themselves in their house and watch Netflix, or turn off their phone to do the same thing. Me going to another city (or somewhere that’s not Dallas) is very therapeutic; I’m able to hit the “reset” button while observing things that may be able to work in Dallas to improve the city.
Enjoy where you are fully; let go of stresses/burdens from other situations
The one thing I tried not to do, was to take Dallas with me during my R and R time. I was responsive during the conference, as I was working, but during the weekend, it was my time. I didn’t respond to emails, I didn’t worry about what was going on in Dallas, I just enjoyed DC. By doing this, I was able to feel good about where I was Sunday night, and was able to work Monday morning (I was still in DC, but letting everything go for two days showed me a couple of opportunities I can do up there).
Once your back in your normal environment, GO HARD!
This morning, I woke up, and started SPRINTING! There’s a lot of things I need to catch up on, and new stresses that appeared, but I’m able to have a fresh perspective and rejuvenated spirit to take them on. I advise people to go all in when you first arrive from vacation so you can set a tone of intensity and purpose.
The one thing that’s starting to sink in from advice numerous people have told me in the past is to take time for myself… I get it now. I’m not taking weeks off, or going to the moon, it was an extra two days after a conference I attended, but those two days positively affected me! I’m ready to take on the World!!!
Mr. Matt Houston 