johnmdemarco posted on July 21, 2010 04:53
Why is vacation so difficult to launch?
I’m not talking about all the things I need to do in order to get the opportunity to go on vacation. Those are expected. There’s always a reason to not leave the office or other responsibilities for a week or two, and at some point you just have to go for it and let the pieces scatter.
What sneaks up on me every time, however, is how hard it is to “recreate” during a short season of intended recreation. It’s difficult to relax and not being in task mode, to give one’s self permission to not be productive.
I do enjoy productivity while on vacation—but of a different sort, best defined as “spontaneously doing what I love.” These endeavors especially include reading; writing; journaling in coffee shops; and being immersed in a pool or ocean under a bright sun.
Just being feels productive in a very pure sense. Perhaps it is not measured in numbers or tangible tasks, but the fruit that it bears can become quite significant.