Yesterday morning, I was up at 4:30 AM and charging through work and ideas that had been on my to-do list for weeks. And this morning appears to be no different. (Considering I’m writing this at 4 AM.)
The combination of jet lag and a hotel room devoid of the distractions of my life are the causes of this sudden upswing in productivity.
This was completely unintentional, but it has me wondering if this scenario (the productivity, not the jet lag) could be repeated on purpose.
I’m curious about the idea of taking more work vacations.
I remember reading a post on Dooce once where she mentioned heading to a hotel by herself for a few days to finish writing her manuscript. At the time, I don’t think much of it. But now I think Heather was on to something.
We’ve all had days where it was impossible to focus on our to-do list. Particularly the non-studio portion of that to-do list. It’s easy to plan on tasks like marketing, public relations, market research, branding, or putting together new promotional materials, but a lot more difficult to find time to execute them.
Something always gets in the way. The laundry. The kids. (Or in my case, the dog.) The new design idea you just can’t wait to make in the studio.
But getting all those other tasks done is just as important for the health and growth of your business.
Having a bonus day in San Diego left me feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to work. And I want to recreate that feeling (and the productivity that followed) more often.
The next time I find myself with a growing list of “I should do’s” I’m going to seriously considering picking a spot, booking a hotel, and taking a work vacation.
How about you? Would you consider heading to a hotel (or somewhere else) solo to focus on getting work done?
I don’t have much opportunity for business travel these days, but on the rare occasions whenI do get away for work I relish the nooks and crannies of time to myself – on the train, riding the cab to my destination, chilling in my room before or after the day, a lunchtime walk. As a self-employed, single mom I get precious little alone time these days. The luxury of a few pockets of time that can’t be interrupted by laundry or some other domestic obligation are bliss. It’s the guilt-free element that really rocks. 🙂
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Absolutely, I would! – and have. There is something about the total change of scenery and lack of distractions at home/office/studio that gets my creative mind going. This is a great way to get away to plan and strategize.
That sounds like bliss! Right now as I’m trying to get things done my kids have decided today is “let’s wrestle and pick on each other day.” Nothing kills your concentration like that. Back to school yet?
Megan, this blog contains a lot of good advice and insight, but this is really not a good idea. Your daily work space and time should be productive and organized. We all have periods where we feel distracted and unproductive. We have to address these issues, not escape them. It shouldn’t cost money to overcome. Whenever I spend my hard-earned money on a hotel room, the computer stays home!
I’m not sure I would spring for a hotel… (since I’m not sure I’d really become productive enough to make up the cost), but I take work stay-cations. I’ll have a week where I say, “I’m only doing fun design projects”, and then I’m totally re-invigorated to handle blogging/marketing.
Or, I’ll put away my designing for a week, and only work on web design… then I’m totally inspired to pull out new designs!
I try to switch it up… I think you’re right- it helps a lot!
I think I would- I love the idea! I always get inspired when away from home, even if just in a hotel with a coffee reading the weekend newspapers. If I can’t quite stretch to a hotel, a starbucks works well for me.
Charlie @ House of Istria x
It would have to really be on an impulse decision because coming from a poor, working class family, I really have a hard time justifying such lavish spending. Only something majorly life changing or its equivalent would have to happen for me to even consider doing something like that. Not to mention having that kind of money in the first place. Otherwise, my idea of getting away from distractions would usually be a trip to a bookstore with a seating area or a small local coffee shop. More in the budget and what not (: