For those who missed it or didn't read it, about ten days ago I shut my phone and computer off, spent some time in the Smoky Mountains, and completely disconnected.
Everything you read from me in that time were e-mails that were scheduled ahead of time, or from Coach Kim, who contributes on here weekly.
When I mentioned that I was disconnecting and recharging, I got a lot of replies asking me to write about how it went and if I learned anything from it.
So without further ado, here are some random thoughts and lessons from my "time away"...
First off, to give you all some context.
This was a last minute trip that was originally scheduled as a business conference.
I was feeling "conferenced out" and decided to forgo that plan, and book Megan (and Kaden) and I a cabin in the Smoky Mountains.
Now, for those who don't know me well (yet), most know I'm a workaholic.
I used to be proud of that, and in some cases, I know it's part of the reason why I've been able to build some level of success, but as they say, your biggest strength is also your biggest weakness.
I truly love what I do.
I think most people can't say that.
I don't ever feel like I'm working, I never count the hours, I'm up at 4:30am, and I'm in business or work mode until 7 or 8pm, and I can't wait to wake up and do it all over again.
My team and I are on a mission, with a super clear vision, to build something incredible, and I aim to make it stronger, 1% Better, every day.
With all that being said, as much as that's a strength of mine, as I've written about in the past, it has become a weakness as well.
It had a negative impact on my relationship with Megan, my priorities, and thus, my personal life.
When people ask me what my hobbies and passions are I say "building strong businesses that make a bigger impact on the community."
That's a huge priority for me, but I needed a slap in the face to remember what my number one priority is, the people in my house, my family, Megan, and Kaden.
I get all kinds of great advice from our members at the gym, and when Kaden came along there was no shortage of advice, but by far the most common line was...
"Enjoy it, it goes by fast."
Isn't that the truth?
Yesterday Megan was designing the invites to Kaden's 1st Birthday Party, just a short two months away.
Holy cow, I feel like we just brought him home from the hospital yesterday!
This trip was a recharge, yes, but it was also a speed bump.
It forced me to slow down, and it was a reminder of what life is truly about.
Yes, it was just a normal vacation.
We rented a cabin, woke up and had coffee in the morning, went exploring in the mountains on different trails during the day, and had a dinner as a family at night.
But for me, it was the first time since our honeymoon that I felt 100% present.
I had no phone calls, no text messages, no e-mails, no social media notifications, no project lists, no to-do lists, no taps on the shoulders, no meetings, and no schedule.
Like most of you, that is what a typical day is usually filled with.
I love it, but it's tough being "on" all the time.
Now don't get me wrong, I think it's important to build a life that you don't want to escape from (why most people go on vacation), but I do think it's important to find what recharges, reenergizes, and reconnects you.
For me, I've learned I need to travel.
The distance is irrelevant, it could just be traveling down the road to the nearest beach or trail, or it could be traveling across the world, but I need to get out of my normal environment to truly reconnect.
By the end of it, I was ready to come back.
I still have that huge drive to do great things, and I was ready to start tackling it all again, but maybe with a slightly different view.
I woke up this morning with the same energy I do every day, but maybe just a little different mindset of what's important.
Is everything perfect?
No.
It never will be.
But I can say that it was well worth the time, and I myself got 1% Better, and that's really all we can ask of ourselves.
I'm not sure if there is anything mind-blowing in this piece, but if I were to leave with one piece of unsolicited advice, it would be this...
Connection.
Be so connected, and present, with the people that matter most to you.
Be so connected to the things you love.
Be so connected to your purpose, your drive, your why, you can't wait to wake up and do it all over again.
But what's funny, sometimes you need to "disconnect" to build a stronger connection.
1% Better.
Dedicated to Your Success,
Doug Spurling