Every year we go to a family camp in North East, MD. This was our seventh year. It’s definitely one of our family’s favorite weeks of the year. However, it’s a working vacation for me since I’m the life coach on staff for the week.

What that means, simply, is that I teach a workshop each afternoon and I’m also available to meet with individuals or couples to discuss goals they’re considering or challenges they’re facing. In the end it usually means about a 15-20 hour commitment for me.

This year was distinctly different for me, in a positive sense.

There were two things that stuck out to me as I reflected on how well the week was going. First, everything seemed to be moving very slowly. Considering the breakneck pace that defines the world we now live and work in that felt really, really good.

Second, even though this was a working vacation for me, I found myself reaching the end of each day with a noticeable amount of energy. That was a stark contrast to years past. And given the energy output involved in teaching and in walking with people through some dark hours of their lives this was especially surprising.

As I tried to figure out why my experience this year was so much better, one thing came to mind. I’ve made a very diligent and intentional effort over the last 18 months to protect my most important asset – me.

In his book, Essentialism, Greg McKeown shares the story of a young CEO who learned the hard way that “the best asset we have for making a contribution to the world is ourselves.” McKewon goes on to say, “If we underinvest in ourselves, and by that I mean our minds, our bodies, and our spirits, we damage the very tool we need to make our highest contribution.”

The benefits I’ve experienced from these four investments have gone far beyond a good vacation. They’ve made an impact on my daily productivity, my emotional well-being, and my relationships.

Let me share with you the four things I’ve been very intentional about in the last year to “protect the asset.”

 

Four Investments

It’s important to note that I have a long way to go in most of these areas, but the advances I’ve made in the last 18 months have produced a major return on my investment.

1. I have been exercising regularly. This seems so obvious, but for a lot of us it’s a major struggle. For years and years it has been for me too. The biggest challenge for me has always been where to fit it into my schedule. But this year things have changed dramatically.

The thing that has dramatically changed is not my schedule, but my mindset. I’ve always known exercise was important. But now I’m not waiting for a space to open up in my schedule. I’m proactively making space in my schedule for it.

This goes back to a key concept I’ve written about before. Don’t say you don’t have time for something. We make time for what we consider a priority. And that’s what I’ve done. When I exercise I feel great physically and it definitely continues to contribute to the uptick I’m experiencing in my emotional and mental energy as well.

It’s become such a regular part of my life and routine that I actually exercised five out of the first seven days of my vacation. And I loved every second of it.

2. I have made sleep a much higher priority. This one may seem counterintuitive to some of us, but sleeping more will actually help us get more done. The CEO I mentioned earlier said that this was the single most important factor in his recovery from his physical crash and in his subsequent success.

Study after study has shown that getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night has a significant, positive impact on our productivity, our effectiveness, and our happiness.

Another huge thing for me has been naps. I would say that at least 3-4 times per week I fit in a 15-20 minute nap. I did this on vacation too. A few of the days, right before I taught my workshop, I would go down to my room, get in the bed, and snooze for a few minutes.

I’m convinced this commitment to sleep has been another huge game-changer for me both before and during my vacation. McKeown states that those who choose wisely here, “are able to go about their daily lives with a reserve of energy, creativity, and problem-solving ability to call upon when needed.”

3. I am eating better and smarter. This continues to be the biggest ongoing challenge for me. However, I’ve made great strides and continue to look for ways to improve.

There have been three things I’ve tried to be more intentional about in this area. First, is portion control. I’m doing much better at not overeating. I’ve concentrated on eating until I’m satisfied instead of eating until I’m full. Big difference.

Second, along with smaller portions at the three major meals of the day, I’ve introduced the routine of eating a very light energy snack at around 10am and 3pm. Again, noticeable dividends have been reaped.

Third, I have been very thoughtful about my sugar intake. Unfortunately, there have been a couple of weeks this year where I very thoughtfully took in way too much sugar. I enjoyed the moments, but paid the price for it. When I have succeeded in this area, which has been the majority of the year, the benefits in my energy levels and weight have been noticeable.

4. I have been reading more than ever before. Prior to 2015 I probably read 3-4 books per year. In 2015 I read sixteen books. I’ve already finished thirteen so far this year and I’m loving it.

This last investment is not universal. It’s much more personal. Reading is one of my favorite activities. It feeds my soul. It energizes me and helps me think more creatively. It just has a way of changing the whole dynamic of my day and week.

Let me be clear. I’m not suggesting that you read more. I’m suggesting you create an appropriate amount of space to do something you love.