Do you ever feel overwhelmed about your business? I remember feeling extremely overwhelmed because I was working in my business non-stop, but I wasn’t making time to work on my business. I kept putting things aside with the intention of getting to it later. Many of these things would have made my life easier and saved me so much time and heartache had I made them more of a priority.
While visiting with a friend who also owns her own business, I learned she had some of the same frustrations I did. Our personalities and drives are pretty much in alignment, so I proposed that we create our own work retreat and she jumped at the chance. We got a hotel room out of town as it was important we were far enough away from home so we could really disconnect and focus on the work we came to do. We would leave by noon on Friday giving us time to wrap up any loose ends that may distract us. The ride to our destination also provided us an opportunity to catch up on all kinds of things and begin our shift for the retreat. Once we reached our destination, we would unpack, set up our computers and treat ourselves to a nice dinner. While we enjoyed our meal, we each shared what we hoped to accomplish over the weekend and what projects we would be working on. Many times, would be working on the same type of projects so we could support each other and be a sounding board.
After dinner, we would head back to our rooms and start working and riding the wave until we were too tired to keep going. Anything we completed the first night was a bonus and gave us a head start. Since we brought food and beverages to sustain us, we did not leave our room. The rest of the weekend we woke up when we wanted and went to bed when we were tired. There was a lot to accomplish, and we both had our lists, it was great to cheer each other on and check off items on our lists. We were making progress and felt a real sense of accomplishment.
Does this sound like something doable for you?
Choose your partner carefully, you’ll want someone who can support you and not suck the lifeblood out of you.
You are not a tourist, so resist sightseeing. This is a work retreat, an investment of time and money in you, don’t waste it.
I’m a tightwad, but sometimes it is worth paying a little more to be more comfortable which will increase your productivity.
What things would you be able to accomplish if you gave yourself a work retreat? Refresh and schedule your social media for three months…Update your email marketing campaigns…Improve your processes and workflows? What have you been putting off that would help run your business? Give it a try, and if it works, consider taking a retreat once a quarter. It’s amazing to see what can be accomplished when we dedicate the time and resources to grow our business and the best part is we don’t have to do it alone, and the snacks are optional.
Kimberly Cline is a Co-Creator, Image Guru, and Cheerleader who believes the universe is conspiring to help you prosper! Experience Connection, Growth, and Gratitude at SuccessYourWay.com.