Back a while ago, my business partner and I took a small group on a creative retreat. From Friday afternoon through Sunday noon we talked, created a small photo album, napped in front of the fireplace, ate, walked, and listened to music. We tucked our participants away in two B&Bs in Granville, Tennessee – away from the Internet, cell phones, family, business, and TV. It brought home to me the constant information overload we have become addicted to, think we absolutely must have – an information overload that can serve at times to increase our anxieties, fears, and sense that we are in control. (We aren’t!)
I watched as each participant relaxed and realized that it was really just fine not to know what was going on back at home every single hour of the day. Giving up constant control is an exercise in delegation and trusting others – two thing most small business owners have a hard time doing. Giving up instant access to information flow is an exercise in focusing on the true thing rather than the minutia.
Faced with uncharacteristic freedom to breathe and be, our group dove into the fresh air of a slower pace, a small community of listeners, and a supportive group. As we occupied our hands with paper, glue, and ink our hearts opened to share our current stories. We strategized on topics from growing new employees to facing health problems to tax reduction strategies to delegating. We practiced collaboration (the best business model there is for today’s business owner) as we shared supplies and creative ideas. We deepened our knowledge of each other’s characteristics and skills – things we can draw on now that we are back into our normal world. We learned that quiet and space is necessary for our sharpest thinking on key issues. We fed our body, minds, and souls in ways that benefit us both personally and in business.
No matter how busy and involved you are, the world actually will function without your oversight and input. It is a good growth experience for you and for those you leave behind. Quarterly retreats are a part of my business plan, and I strongly suggest them to you. Give yourself (and everyone else) a break. Plan a few days away, and watch your focus sharpen as you relax. Just another tool to help your business thrive!
Spot on. Retreats not only restore, they give clarity. I’ve been thinking about fine tuning my yearly business retreat … Quarterly retreats, now there’s an idea! I also agree and think that getting away from distractions, interruptions and your normal environs is absolutely essential for an effective retreat.
Sue, this was relaxing to even read! When I was in OR this July, I noticed that this version of a “retreat” really helped me to re-prioritize my activities. After a month of figuring out what I “needed” to do to keep the wheels turning and what I could let go of, I have been able to come back into the normal routine with less frantic energy and more deliberate action. Lovely! Thank you for this insight. Whitney
This is such a great reminder through a great truth. I remember my corporate days when I would take time to disconnect and reconnect with creativity. My team would tell me that I could have no more time off. I returned with too many ideas and work for them!
The beach trip is coming up very soon!
I love the idea of quarterly retreats, Sue and totally agree that it is SO important to get away from our information overload and that feeling that we are indespensible every moment of the day. I hadn’t thought about making them part of my biz plan. Thanks for the idea!
Absolutely! Part of your biz plan! 🙂
Sue