How I used my holiday to set myself up for success...

I've just had 2 weeks with no Outlook, Teams or outstanding tasks that would otherwise burden "Holiday time".

This was 2 weeks where I could dedicate to my wife, kids and myself.

Normally I would find it hard to switch off. My job carries a lot of responsibility, I enjoy what I do, it gives me a lot of satisfaction and pride but this can be a problem.  

This year I really wanted to try and "be normal" - avoiding the interruption that would typically then unsettle and potential spoil this important time with my family. Ultimately this is my responsibility and i'm at fault for letting it be, but again because I enjoy it and I take accountability I do find it hard.

In the months leading up, I'd worked as hard as ever, produced some of my finest work and built relationships with peers and colleagues that I hope will last my career.

Whilst there was alot of work still do to, critical deadlines and I was needed, I was given the advise by my Boss Phil Hawkshaw, that sometimes taking the break is what is needed, regardless of the timing. On this basis, I wanted to make sure that it was a break that felt and was one.

More broadly, I've suffered burn-outs, know the warning signs and whilst they weren't manifesting prior to the break, it was nonetheless vital the "break was a break" and refill the battery. Again, sometimes it can be too easy just continue working through or accept the thoughts breaking into what should be down time.

But this year is different. I feel refreshed, re-energised and ready to go. But how did I do it?

During this fortnight off, I completed the promised 3 r’s; Relax, Reflect, Refocus exercises with the knowledge this would set me up for the successes I want to achieve on my return        

Before heading out to Insight 's Mastery Event in Arizona, I wanted to share my 3R method with the hope it would help others.

3r's exercise method

I've done some reading and watched a lot of content on mental health, career management and general good things to do and this culminated in the method. I kept it simple, made sure I was comfortable with it and checked to ensure it was enough to set me up for a positive and successful return to work.

The Method

I need to be in a quiet and calm setting - usually when the kids were napping!

I tried to not schedule it

Avoided distractions, but then found that thinking about this whilst reading The Athletic (one of 2 apps i allowed myself) also worked...

I've try to avoid recording it all as I sometimes find the exercise becomes more about writing than the exercise itself.

I'll try and find 10/15 mins and focus on one particular category and in no particularly order.

If something pops into my head away from this time, I'll note it down and then come back to it.

Relax

Sets up the other to Rs.

To relax is to to re-energise. To refill the battery, get the creative juices flowing again and bring some of the personality back that could otherwise get diluted through continual work.

For me to relax I need to be at peace with myself knowing there isn't anything critical or nagging that would typically interrupt or create anxiety to planned time away.  This year I've managed exactly that so was "switching off" before even leaving for the airport.

The techniques I adopted,

• To be able to relax - Time planned in the diary ahead of Out of office to clear mailbox, complete outstanding admin and set ways of working with my teammates.
• To maintain the relaxation - I removed all the work apps, including linked in and if I wanted to reach out I did so at at a time that wouldn't interrupt my family time. I did offer check ins with colleagues and encouraged them contact me whereby I could avoid coming back to work easily dealt with.  This really helps me minimise the anxiety.

With such approach, relaxation could then happen; fun playing with kids, being present in the conversation, and "easy sleep" - the later coming very easy as I unwind and the stress and pressure subsides.

Again, when I have relaxed to such a degree I find this is where I can best re-energise. It will usually take a few days to but by the end my mood and energy will be returning and I'll find ideas for work will usually come naturally to be. When they do, I'll record them, but do nothing about them.

I know when I've relaxed properly as my performance, energy and mood on return is significantly improved.

Reflect

The point of my reflection is acknowledge the journey.

Generally I don't make enough time for it.  Poor managing my time, lacking discipline to do it when the time is available or, honestly be too distracted or misfiring when time is made.

 When you can start to reflect; where to start, what perspectives how deep to consider?

 For me, keep it simple;

• Life work balance - life being family, kids and managing the day to day life responsibilities v everything work and career.
• Personal time - time for hobbies, interests and keeping healthy
• Career progression and development
• Projects, Teammates and Stakeholders

For each I try to summarise into 3 points

• If things are going well, how do I keep it going?

• What more do I want or need? How do I do this?
• Where to focus new development or try harder; SMART Goal

Because I'm relaxed this exercise becomes easier and I find I'm able to tune in more effectively therefore getting more out.

Refocus

As technology continues developing at an ever increasing rate, businesses will fail to capitalise or minimise impact without continual adaption to strategy and investment. I firmly believe my career progression and development needs a similar adaptive mechanism to ensure I best represent and capitalise on opportunities.

The refocus is driven both the reflection and the forward looking view.  My aim is to establish as set of working goals that can be set for daily and for career objectives, at Insight set on a quarterly basis.

I wouldn't say the model is flawless but it did help, hope it offers something to those who read.

Thanks!