The habit of going for a retreat or separating myself from the crowd to think and meditate about my life and business is something I was taught by my mentor some years back.
For me, it is a one week or less separation from the crowd to think and reflect over my life. It’s a time to do some planning and re-evaluation. During this time, I move away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and travel to some where serene to allow for some meditation. It has been proven that when people set aside a specific period of time for deep thinking and meditation over any issue, insights come from within on that particular problem. It is not every time you stay with a problem to solve it. There are times you just need to close your eyes and walk away to think and reflect.
This kind of exercise is not only done by individuals but corporate organizations also embark on retreat to charge up the batteries of their employees for better performance. They invite high-profile consultants or speakers to address issues relating to personal effectiveness as well as diagnose company problems and proffer solutions.
Every serious thinking individual who is keen on progressing in life and in business ought to do same at least once a year, whatever time of the year that suits you, in whatever location you choose. It might even be a monthly thing but in my own case I do it quarterly.
This is a time you separate yourself from families and friends. If you’re a business owner, do a proper handling over to the next manager in line to allow for continuity of the business in your absence. Believe me you might even come back to meet the business performing stronger. Switch off your phones and avoid the internet. You’re even free to forget about the television or doing the movies. The world will not stop if you don’t have access to the tools mentioned above. It is a separate session with self for reflecting over the course of your life and business, examining challenges and proffering solutions to probing issues.
A week or more spent in solitude and deep thinking is far more productive than five months of hard grind. All you need is your MIND to process thoughts, your inner EYES to see the bigger picture and your SPIRIT to connect with the infinite intelligence for ideas.
During this period of meditation, you get insights into how to solve a particular problem, move on with the next project or you get an idea whose time has come. All these might not happen when you’re busy working and thinking for solutions at the same time. And the fact is that you need unusual wisdom and insights to navigate some rough terrains in life and business. I bet you will come out of this exercise a better person.
Your choice of location need not be somewhere very expensive. You don’t really need to spend a fortune before you get the perfect place. Other states in your country might just be the place to visit. If you have a fat bank account, you can travel out of your country to a desired destination. The goal is just to find a peaceful atmosphere devoid of distraction that will afford you the opportunity to be alone with self to reflect over issues. You can even choose to go to a local resort within your state or approach a hotel that is not too far away from you. All depends on your budget. I can guarantee that once you decide to move away from work, a different kind of peace will permeate your soul which allows you to think straight and see things from a different perspective.
7 Tips For a Successful Personal Retreat
1. You need a Plan: Nothing happens without planning. Decide the time frame and allocate time for specific session and activities. Arrange the materials you will take with you that will further expand your thinking horizon like books, personal development messages, business tapes etc. Ask people who have done it before for their suggestions and opinions. You really don’t need to re-invent the wheels. You can learn from people’s experience.
2. Have a crystal clear goal or focus: What problem do you want to solve? You need to decide what you want to achieve. Nothing becomes dynamic until it becomes specific. There is power in a made up mind. Avoid going with too much problems because if you’re not extremely focused, you might end up not achieving much. So make sure you streamline your challenges to the core ones that demand urgent attention.
3. Free up your mind: Endeavour to be relaxed within. Mind wise, strive to let go of any issues that will hold you back. Don’t go there and start thinking about your family or the business you left behind. Be still and calm internally.
4. Travel alone: Better if you are still single. But if you’re married, avoid going with your spouse or kids. When you make the trip alone, you will be able to focus on the issues that need to be solved. It is a time with self not family. However, if you think your spouse or partner will be of help, feel free to go with any of them.
5. Take a note pad along with you to jot down your ideas and thought. The shortest pen is better than the greatest memory.
6. Take enough rest (sleep) during the exercise but not too much. Also you don’t need to eat excessively. Maintain a moderate eating habit.
7. For me I like listening to jazz music (Yanni) when am doing my thinking session. It helps me focus a lot. The idea is to find what works for you and do it.
What Do You Think About Retreat?
How often do you embark on a retreat? Do you have more tips that can make the journey easier? Feel free to share your experience with us in the comment box below.