3 Things I rediscovered on my Campervan Trip Through Nova Scotia

When the rock smashed into our windshield, I knew this was not going to be your average vacation. The accident could derail our trip or we could shift our mindsets, work as a team, and still enjoy our campervan journey through Nova Scotia. After recovering from the shock, we made a conscious choice to not let this situation get in the way of our goal to have a fun adventure exploring this beautiful part of Canada.?

Vacations, just like business and life, are full of unexpected surprises. It’s how you respond to these events that determines your success and satisfaction, not the fact that the unfortunate incident occurred.

Here are the 3 things I rediscovered on my campervan trip this summer:?

Your mindset matters. When the rock hit the windshield, it felt like all the oxygen had been sucked out of our vacation balloon. That night we made a choice to adopt a success mindset and not let this accident overshadow our trip. Had we not, this unfortunate event could have ruined our vacation. Instead, we filed an insurance claim, had a glass of wine, and agreed that tomorrow was a new day.?

How you process obstacles and setbacks directly impacts your business success and satisfaction. Expect the unexpected and learn to shift your mindset to embrace the experience, learn from it, and move on.?

Social media rarely tells the whole story. Over the 12-day trip, I posted one picture a day with the hashtag #vanlife to keep our friends and family updated on our adventures. What I didn’t post were images of the smashed window or the busted water pump (yes, the windshield was not our only challenge!). Why the omissions? Because social media rarely tells the whole story.?

The next time you compare yourself or your business to someone else’s on social media, remember that people tend to post only the positive. It is easy to feel envious and distracted by others’ successes when scrolling through LinkedIn or Instagram. Instead, remind yourself that comparisons are a waste of your valuable time and energy and focus on your own journey.?

Try it before you buy it.? Renting the van was an eye-opening and informative experience. It was a great way to discover what we truly wanted in an RV and what was not a priority. A big comfortable bed is a must, but a television set is not. While an indoor toilet is highly desirable, an indoor shower is nice but not necessary. Trying something out is a wonderful way to become a more informed buyer.?

When purchasing something for your business, take your time. Many entrepreneurs rush to get things done so they can check them off their list. However, not trying something out first can cost you valuable time and money. Instead, look for software products that offer a free 30-day trial or hire a virtual assistant for 90 days with the agreement that you will re-evaluate the relationship after 3 months once you both know more about each other’s working style. Over time your needs and priorities will become crystal clear.??

Vacations are a time to relax and refresh. They can also teach us a lot about ourselves and our business. If you went on vacation this summer, what valuable lessons or insights can you bring back to your desk?