Three Things.
I took my annual summer break earlier this week, and three things happened.
Email never stopped coming in.
Backlogs were created.
I ate too much.
This happens every year.
And there, in those four words, the answer to this dilemma lies.
It’s a recurring dilemma. Do I spend time on my break doing work, or do I switch off and deal with everything when I return home?
That’s your only choice unless you are fortunate to have some kind colleagues to help you while you are away.
We are frequently faced with these and similar recurring dilemmas and never consider solving them.
One solution to this dilemma is to ensure your first day back is a catch-up day. Blocked catch-up days are fantastic ways to organise your work and deal with backlogs.
David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, taught me this little trick, and it works brilliantly whether you’ve been on a business trip or just returned from a long holiday. No meetings or check-ins on your first day back.
In effect, you are a ghost on your first day back.
This removes the worry of what may be building up because you know you have time to deal with anything outstanding before your work resumes.
A few days’ break may only require half a day, but a week or more will likely need a full day.
Given that I am self-employed, I prefer to maintain my routines. Allowing myself ninety minutes daily to deal with email, messages, and basic admin ensures that when I get home, there are minimal backlogs and a small list of emails that need replies. I have peace of mind knowing I am not missing something important.
Part of becoming better organised and more productive is noticing these things, being aware of common issues, and considering how best to deal with them the next time they occur.
As for eating too much, I’ve never found a solution to that one. 😁
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