Jul 06

A Learning Vacation

I started planning a summer vacation recently. Like many Americans I know, vacations are sort of stressful events, mainly because slowing down and walking away from work is hard to do. Americans are addicted to work. We equate personal power–and, dare I say, our self-esteem is tied–to work productivity. I’m no exception. While my friends in Europe take several weekly breaks throughout the year without any guilt or concern about not working and truly enjoying their preferred recreational activities, I think I should keep working.

Like many of you, I have a backlog of work that needs to get done in order to achieve my annual goals. I have two big engagements coming up, both of which require that I learn new material. Plus, there are a couple subjects I want to brush up on and add to the services I provide clients later this year.

So I’ve been thinking about this low-grade tension between about taking a break and my desire to keep preparing for my upcoming engagements. The solution? Give up the struggle and build learning into my vacation.

Since I will have many hours alone in a car for many days, I have decided to bring several books on tape and one major physical book for the evenings. That way I can have two enjoyable experiences at once: driving in the heartland of America and learning.

You may think me crazy. Conventional thinking says vacations are to be total breaks for mind and body. But, I’m not made that way. I read a lot and want to keep going along the path to mastery in my work. I love the subjects I work with and don’t want a total break from them. So, I have given up the struggle. I have relieved the tension about not being productive by making some of my driving time learning time. I have harmonized two ideas that were in conflict.

When I imagine forward how I will feel by making my summer holiday a holiday with learning I feel a new level of excitement. I know I will have a nice holiday and get back to work feeling closer to my goals. I feel relieved and uplifted.

So, this upcoming vacation is a learning vacation. And I can’t wait! Great scenery and great ideas. For me it’s a great combination.

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