As I prepare to go on vacation, all those projects that I was ‘going to get to’ seem to take on dramatically more importance. There is a certain amount of stress and desire to get it done before I leave. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do for a living. The work I do and the people I meet really fire me up and I feel that I am helping them with their issues. So why should I get stressed and worried about getting it all done? Stressing won’t help, and focusing on getting it done takes away from what is really important and drains energy and time.

All I wanted to do is go on vacation without thoughts of unfinished projects creeping into my head. Then, I stopped for a moment in my reverie to think – what would happen if I don’t get this done right now? What is the most important thing to me right now? Will it affect me or my family? My career? My health? I realized that the answers to these questions really make the difference. And it calmed me down so I could look at the workload more effectively. Because in the end, it is the legacy we leave that will have the most meaning. If I stick to my values, I feel certain that everything will fall into place. And I can focus on the things I need to do in the proper order.

Vacation is for regeneration and renewal…recharging the batteries so you can come back refreshed…relieving stress, not creating more. By focusing on those really important things in life, I will not only get it all done more efficiently, but I will come back invigorated and ready to take on new challenges.