Taking a vacation is proven to have many positive effects.  Stress reduction, improved physical & mental health, increased motivation and enhanced productivity are just a few of the benefits.

When was the last time you took a vacation?
Are you a victim of vacation procrastination?

Tomorrow night I leave on my long awaited and anticipated vacation to Australia. I am so excited to be going “down under” for some well deserved fun and adventure. Last year I earned this vacation as part of a barter agreement for facilitating a retreat, so the age old expression “you earned this vacation”  rings true.  If I earned it and I deserve it, why is it so hard to go away on vacation?

As a coach, I hear excuses from people all the time … I can’t go on vacation…things are too busy, the timing isn’t good, or I can’t afford it. I ask you, is there ever a perfect time to go on vacation?  What is the real underlying issue?

Going on vacation requires us to prepare for our absence and trust that others can “take care of business” without us and/or that our clients can survive without us. The preparation part can be stressful, but is easily managed if you plan in advance.  The trust part and the belief that everything will be fine in your absence are far more difficult issues to manage.  I believe this is the reason many people put off vacation.  The sense of duty, responsibility and self importance are hard to shake.

If you’ve been experiencing Vacation Procrastination, grab a pen and answer the following questions:

What is it that holds you back from taking a vacation or even time off?

When will you go?

So as I head off to the land “down under”, I will think of you all, briefly, as I eat my vegemite sandwich!  Let my walkabout begin!   G’Day, Mates