My workcation worked... until I didn't.

Thirty days ago on September 1, I embarked on a bit of an experiment. Vacation meets staycation meets creative pursuits. I called it my "workcation". The concept was that I take time off from my b2b marketing business (vacation), remain home (staycation), and work intensely on some of my own personal projects as if I was being paid to do so. Hence, the meaning of my workcation.

Day #1 got off to a STRONG start. Excitement does that, so does a lot of caffeine and a very clear checklist.

Day #2 was equally good. Got a long overdue blog posted to my website. It's all about finding a rhythm and sitting to it. Easier said than done.

Day #3 was all about money and M.O.N.E.Y. Check out my Day Three article to decipher the acronym. It was a day well spent (pun intended)

Day #4 the slippery slope began. I had a client request that could not wait, then I looked at my inbox... MISTAKE! Then a fun lunch with a friend, and the last straw, an afternoon coaching zoom that while energizing and insightful, led to a margarita (or two), and I was derailed for the night.

Days #5 & #6 were a total washout. They were not bad days, just not productive days. They ended up being family days and nothing got checked off the list. Quality family is important. But I had not planned for it, so it left me feeling a bit deflated.

Day #7 REDEMPTION! Labor Day. A holiday on a Monday. No meetings, no zooms, and no family plans. I could get back to my workcation experiment in earnest. I finished strong and I learned a lot.

My WORKCATION Takeaways

? Workactions work! As long as you stick to the plan. So have a clear plan on what you want to accomplish; i.e. number of words written, posts batched, paintings painted, etc.

? No sleeping in. Get up like your work depends on it.

? Clear your calendar of ALL commitments. No appointments, not even the fun-lunch-with-a-friend kind of appointment. They are distractions.

? Tell your family what you doing. By setting boundaries & removing expectations of your availability, everyone will be happier with the outcome.

? 3-4 days is the sweet spot. Trying to do intense creative work for 7 days was a big leap out of the gate. It requires a lot of fortitude and/or planning.

? A change of scenery may be necessary. For some, doing this at home is not an option. I would absolutely encourage you to sequester yourself somewhere that is not home. I've done it 30 minutes from my house and 3 hours. Just get out your routine, where things like the dog, kids and laundry will not break the creative flow.

? I will make time to do this EVERY QUARTER. Maybe even once a month. Hardcore creative time. This focused time on my creative endeavors – my Meraki – was not only productive, but it was also therapeutic, liberating and satisfying.

My next one will be November 5-7. Who is joining me?

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I am a Branding Intuitive, Content Creator, 17-year WFH Business Owner, Resister of the Oxford Comma, Tiny House Enthusiast, Wellness Advocate, Reiki Practitioner, Dog Lover and Old Soul (the order varies daily).