While it may sound counter-intuitive, oftentimes when you have the most to do and are feeling the most overloaded is the exact moment when it is time to pull the plug and take a few days to sharpen the saw. Yes, that means take a vacation.
Here are a few rules to making yourself more productive at work by taking time to recharge your batteries:
1. The getaway doesn't need to be longer than a few days - but definitely must be longer than a weekend
2. You don't have to go far - but being away from home and somewhat unreachable is vital. That means if you take a walk or go for a hike, leave the phone behind for an hour or two. Don't panic - you do not have to completely unplug.
3. While you're away read something related to your business that you haven't read before, like a book on leadership or influencing other people. When you're finished immediately read something meaningless, like a great crime novel. It's amazing how the creative juices will be flowing after!
4. Break your routine by taking a nap in the middle of the afternoon or eating dinner at 9 p.m. Wake up early to watch the sunrise and then go back to sleep. Sit and watch the waves or the woods or the water or the cars passing by. Eat something that expands your horizons or the equivalent of that to feel a little bit alive.
5. If you have to do some work, set a designated time and then walk away. Pick a few hours in the morning and then hit the golf course.
Once you're finished there is no doubt that you will be in a better position to accomplish big things at work. Why not give it a try?
Don't believe me? Check out the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: the final step is "Sharpen the Saw."
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