Making Personal Retreats Work for You

Next week I’m going to have an overnight at a local spa that offers mineral baths. That may sound like vacation, but it’s not – it’s time that I’ve set aside to clear my head and then think through KDD Philanthropy’s approach to 2025.

This might sound indulgent, but it’s not. Do we really do our best strategic thinking, our most thoughtful planning, when we’re at our desk rushing between meetings?

Think about where inspiration and invigoration come from. Is it from your office? Or is it from the beach, a hiking trail, a cozy lounge chair on your patio or a local coffee shop?

At KDD Philanthropy we are big proponents of the personal retreat: Time set aside to do the truly difficult and visionary work of strategizing, reflecting and planning.

I began taking these retreats many years ago when I would block a day away from the office, often in a favorite location, to write performance reviews. The ability to reflect in a space that fostered creativity and deeper thought led to more meaningful reflection and better, more impactful review feedback.

Over time, I’ve used these retreats to plan for the next year, to brainstorm broadly and align with institutional vision. I now use this time to create new content, think about my business plan for the next year and how I can strengthen client partnerships.

But this blog is about you and supporting your ability to do the deep work. What would it take for you to dedicate a day to your own personal retreat?

I invite you to plan one day as a personal retreat by the end of the year. A few tips that have worked for me that may help you get started:

• Do this as a paid day. It’s not a vacation. It’s creating the environment that supports your deepest – and therefore, most impactful – work.
• Remember that you don’t need to be at a computer. As you reflect and ideas come to you, you can dictate them into your phone. I’ve dictated so many messages while hiking trails or walking along the beach!
• Give yourself space. Don’t expect that you’re going to solve everything because you sat with a coffee and watched folks go by. Give yourself an area to focus on, or freedom to see where your mind takes you.
• Remember that reflecting on yourself counts. If you spend the day considering your strengths and identifying a few areas of growth for the coming year, or if you use the time to reconnect and realign with your institution’s and position’s vision, that’s a win.

How do you find time and space for reflection and inspiration? I hope you’ll share in the comments. I’m positive your idea will inspire others!