Seven years ago, I made a conscious decision to pay strict attention to my work-life balance. I had been pushed to the ledge at my last job. Around that time, I had attended a parent meeting for the travel abroad program that my daughter was scheduled to go on when she was in high school. As I was sitting there asking questions, I noticed that the countries they were visiting included Italy...The one country I never got to go to in my 10 months abroad back in 1990. I traveled to many places but Italy was one I forfeited because my best friend came over to visit and I spent most of my graduation money. So I informed my daughter that I would like to go on her trip too. I promised I wouldn’t cramp her style. After a little bit of coaxing and some bribery, she conceded.
I mention that story because it was the first vacation I had taken where I didn’t have access to my computer. And after experiencing a complete shut down, turned off mode, and being present in every moment, I made the commitment to making my vacations that way moving forward.
I took a whole week off last week. It was prompted by the craziness of gearing up for 2020 planning, and all of the coverage I’ve been seeing about physician burnout lately. According to HealthLeaders and Bluepoint Leadership Development, “Studies show that professional coaching may reduce physician burnout by 20%.
I decided that I didn’t need to be a physician nor did I need to play one on TV to be burnt out. I confidently met all of the criteria for being sizzled. In fact, my colleagues would likely describe my state of mind over the past month as “up in flames”. So I decided to not only take a week off. I also signed up to work with a life/business coach!
This past week, I turned off my notifications, spent time with my family and a good friend during my last minute ”staycation”. And guess what? I didn’t spontaneously combust, and neither did my business...thanks to my colleagues covering for me.
Now I’m ready for a productive week. I’m grateful for my awareness of needing an attitude adjustment, but I’m most appreciative to be working for an employer who understands the importance of preserving its peeps.
Check in with yourself...
Are you able to identify when you need a break? And how supportive is your employer?
