The Real Power of Travel: Getting Clear on Your Purpose

Here at Luminate Leadership getting away from our desks, stepping outside of our comfort zones and immersing ourselves in unfamiliar surroundings is a strong part of our workplace culture. Even if it’s as small as moving a meeting to a different location, getting away for a long weekend or as extensive as a? month-long journey through the Amazon. We make a regular habit of taking time off and changing up our environment.

It could have something to do with our background in the travel industry, or our company value of curiosity, however it came about, travel is a practice that everyone at Luminate knows the value of.

‘We often speak about the importance of being clear on your purpose as a business, and I am inspired by that every day I show up at Luminate Leadership. But what underpins that for me is my personal purpose and my goal to experience and be educated by the world, and to share the moments with our young daughter.’ - Cherie Canning ?

When we run our workshops we consistently get feedback that participants feel they don’t take enough breaks and many admit to experiencing burn out and high levels of stress. We know from research and experience that taking regular time off is a proven way to reduce this stress that impacts on our mental and physical health. Often participants comment that even a day out of the office, in our workshops, make a world of difference.??

Of course, we know you don't need convincing as to why holidays are great, but just in case you need a reminder, as to why they are so vitally important to your work and wellbeing, read on.

It is our experience that regular travel:

• improves self-efficacy
• challenges our preconceptions
• teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and empathy.?

But perhaps most importantly, travel provides an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. It's a chance to disconnect from the noise of everyday life, reflect on our values and priorities, and realign ourselves with what truly matters.?

When it comes to actually booking those all important annual leave dates, we know leaving the workplace behind can come with its challenges, especially if you are a leader. But consider this, how you view and value time off will have a direct influence on how your colleagues and employees feel about taking time off. If you don’t take breaks they might feel they can’t either.?

Convinced yet? Below are some tips we found helpful to get you out of the office and make the most out of your well deserved break.??

Plan Handovers: Setting out a clear handover while you’re away is like setting up a safety net for your peace of mind. By briefing your colleagues on what needs to be done, you ensure a smooth transition and can fully enjoy your time off, knowing everything's under control back at the office. Remember clear is kind, unclear is unkind.?

Prioritise Time: While a month-long adventure may not be feasible for everyone, even a short getaway can provide valuable opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Look for opportunities to maximise your time off, whether it's by taking advantage of public holidays or scheduling mini-breaks throughout the year. Short breaks more frequently can still have the desired benefits.?

Involve Family: Travelling with young children may require some extra planning, but it's also an opportunity to create lasting memories and bond as a family. Get your kids involved in the planning process and choose destinations and activities that cater to their interests and preferences.

Travel without Family: Whether you are in a committed relationship or not, travelling with friends outside your family unit can do wonders for all involved. It’s a growth accelerator for your friendships and allows space from your family to truly renew your appreciation for each other.?

Plan early: While a spontaneous trip sounds exciting it can often be stressful to organise and costly to execute. Start saving early and look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Consider alternative accommodations like holiday rentals, and be flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of deals and discounts.

Embrace Flexibility: Things don't always go according to plan when you're on the road, and that's okay! Embrace spontaneity and be open to new experiences, even if they deviate from your itinerary. Sometimes, the best memories are made when you least expect it.

So, the next time you find yourself caught up in the daily grind, take a step back and ask yourself: What's your why behind what you do? And give yourself the space, time and location to figure it out.?

Where will you go next?