I’ve never paid much attention to the World Heritage designation, but my recent trip caused me to be curious about the list and what the designation really meant. I like that term “outstanding universal value.” In other words, if we visit these places, what can we see or learn that is additive to life? How does what we see influence and add value to our lives?

What are our own, unique “heritage sites” that inform and provide value to our lives? What have we done or seen or learned from others that can be universally applied, useful, helpful? That serves as rudder to our actions, or wind to our sails?

My paternal grandmother, Lillian, read the natural world and people so well that she saw or anticipated events before they happened. She taught me this skill, pulling me out in the yard in early spring to show me how I could “see” which daffodil bulb would open first. The ability to read the energy of things is most definitely one of my “heritage sites.” I’ve used it, consciously or unconsciously, my entire life. I use it very deliberately now when I am working with an entrepreneur to help that person “see” their stuck places that hamper business growth.

Seems to me that we all have our personal “heritage sites” and being aware of them helps us move through the daily decisions of life and business. The trick is to sort out what we have that has that universal value that UNESCO defines. Not all heritage is useful, just as not all natural or historical sites have the World Heritage designation. Pick the heritage that serves you well, and your personal and business life will be richer.

• You need to go on a personal retreat!
  

Yep, that’s right. One way to radically change your thoughts (which we know affect feelings, which in turn drive your actions, which then become results) is to give yourself a change of environment. Why?

• Chances are you are hanging around people who are not positively supporting you right now.
• It’s a good bet that you are tired of “thinking about it,” whatever the issue is.
• Your routine of daily life currently is not supporting your moving ahead. In other words, you are stuck in a rut.

Here’s the five-step action plan for you:

1. Go alone, you don’t want to have to serve anyone but yourself right now.
2. Pack your briefcase with the materials you need to work on the stuck place.
3. Take along at least one new book you’ve bought but have not read (it can be a business book or fiction, doesn’t matter.)
4. Give yourself a minimum of three days (that means four nights away, no cheating and taking a half day at either end for travel).
5. Set an intention to rest, recreate, and let your mind wander.
   

Now, go make a reservation someplace and get gone. If you are harboring negative and guilty thoughts, remind yourself that you are the shepherd of your business and your soul, and right now for whatever reason they both need attention. A friend of mine, Annie Wills, calls this “radical self care.” I call it a good reason for some extra time at my own favorite place, which is anywhere with an ocean view.

Say “recreate” with a slightly different emphasis and you’ll realize it is re-create. You need to re-create something in your work, and in yourself. That takes a little time out. No reason to feel guilty about that, is there?

Let me know where you go and what you got accomplished. Send a picture, even. I won’t be surprised at the positive changes, but you might be!

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