How change of scenery may trigger true transformation

The decision to detach myself from my business totally during 10 days was not a particularly remarkable one, but the outcome might resonate with more than me:

I was spending time away from my “normal” environments, meeting people I didn’t see for a long time, spending less time online and reading books I had put on hold for years. I woke up totally exhausted in the mornings, recalling absurd fragments of my dreams and finding myself in a mode of true frustration. I was procrastinating most of the expected holiday MUST activities and found myself frenetically decluttering and questioning my surroundings.

A good friend would probably tell me that this is quite normal when reaching a certain age when you want to make sure you are spending your time and putting your effort into something meaningful before it gets too late.

Here is the problem: I strongly believe that I am already engaged in very meaningful activities and love working with clients who want my help in personal and professional transformational activities. To be honest, this got me really frustrated and feeling a bit ashamed as I should be happier and more appreciative of what my business allows me to do.

Then, just a couple of days ago, I found myself brainstorming non-doable ideas, contra productive actions and some high risk decision points…The night after, I slept like a baby and woke up without the same level of frustration. The key insight is: I have spent too much time in the famous “comfort zone” and need to play bigger games to align with my intentions.

As I am writing this article, the plans have not been fully outlined yet, and I know I won’t go ahead with everything on my whiteboard…but be sure 2013 will be a year of significant business transformation…

A couple of takeaways if you, or someone you know, are experiencing anything similar:

1. Don’t underestimate the effect of taking true vacations. Break the normal routine and go fully offline for at least 7 days once in a while – Everyone needs a true vacation to process unconscious requirements.
2. Embrace and accept your absurd dreams (you don’t have to understand them) and listen to what you do when you procrastinate things you “should” do – why are you putting other activities on hold?
3. Talk to people you haven’t met for a while – the perspectives are less flavored by your incremental progression and may provide significant and surprising insights.

So, are you playing a big enough game where you are, or do you have something special waiting for you?