Take the Trip – Embracing Life Outside of Work

Take the Trip: Embracing Life

Outside of Work

Work can easily consume your energy, thoughts, and calendar. Leadership, especially at the highest levels, often demands relentless attention and rapid decision-making. The pressure to perform, inspire, and deliver can feel never-ending. But the truth is—life doesn’t pause just because you’re busy. While your responsibilities may grow, your need for restoration, reflection, and joy remains constant.

“Taking the trip” isn’t just about travel. It’s a mindset—a bold act of self-permission to live fully, joyfully, and intentionally, even in high-pressure seasons. It’s a reminder that your well-being is not a reward for hard work—it’s a prerequisite for sustainable success.

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” — Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Sometimes, the smartest move a leader can make is to step away. Because clarity, creativity, and energy don’t come from constant hustle—they come from intentional balance. The moments we create outside of our work often fuel our ability to lead inside of it.

Living Beyond the Grind

Meet Alicia, a high-powered tech CEO, who had spent months wrapped up in investor meetings, product rollouts, and stakeholder expectations. She nearly canceled her annual hiking trip to Banff, thinking she couldn’t afford the time away. But a trusted mentor reminded her: great leaders know when to pause.

Alicia took the trip. On a quiet mountain trail, disconnected from devices and deadlines, she had a breakthrough. Nature reminded her of her purpose and helped her reset. She returned with renewed clarity and a stronger vision for her company.

Why “Taking the Trip” Matters

Rest Fuels Creativity When you’re constantly in motion, your mind doesn’t have space to innovate. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s strategy. CEOs like Satya Nadella (Microsoft) and Jeff Weiner (LinkedIn) emphasize that clarity and innovative thinking often emerge during quiet moments. Whether it’s a long walk, a yoga retreat, or a spontaneous road trip, stepping away fuels better decision-making.
You’re More Than Your Job Title Many leaders tie their self-worth to their role or accomplishments. But your identity is multidimensional. Time away helps you reconnect with the parts of you that don’t exist in boardrooms—like being a parent, partner, artist, or explorer. That richness is what makes you a more empathetic and effective leader.
Connections Deepen Through Shared Experiences You can’t build culture at work if you’re not also nurturing connection at home or in your community. Taking the trip—whether it’s a solo getaway or a family vacation—rebuilds emotional bonds. Studies show that people who prioritize relationships perform better professionally because they feel supported and less isolated.
Inspiration Lives Outside Routine Breakthroughs often happen when you’re not trying. Alicia’s business pivot was sparked by a journal entry on a hiking trail. Similarly, Steve Jobs famously credited a calligraphy class he took for fun as inspiration for Apple’s sleek design philosophy. You never know where your next “aha” moment will come from.
It’s a Celebration of Life You don’t need to earn your rest. Every step of your journey deserves recognition, not just the finish line. Taking the trip—literal or metaphorical—celebrates resilience, growth, and your commitment to building a meaningful life, not just a profitable career.
It Models Healthy Leadership When leaders take time off, they send a powerful message to their teams: wellness matters. Culture starts at the top. Your willingness to embrace balance gives your employees permission to do the same. It builds loyalty, reduces burnout, and fosters long-term sustainability.
It Strengthens Emotional Intelligence Being in new environments builds empathy and adaptability—both hallmarks of strong leadership. Whether navigating a foreign country or a quiet retreat, you practice awareness, patience, and curiosity. These traits carry over into better team dynamics and conflict resolution at work.

Practical Ways to “Take the Trip”

Book the getaway—even a weekend escape can work wonders.
Attend a retreat or class that has nothing to do with your career.
Explore art, music, nature, or food—follow your curiosity.
Designate one “no work” day a week—protect that time like a meeting.
Make joy a non-negotiable, not an afterthought.

Final Thoughts

Taking the trip isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s a bold affirmation that your well-being is just as important as your to-do list. Choosing to pause is not a sign of weakness—it’s a leadership decision rooted in wisdom and self-awareness. The world may glorify nonstop hustle, but sustainable success comes from intentional rest and alignment.

You are not your output. You are a whole person—with dreams, relationships, and a life beyond metrics and milestones. Whether you’re running a company or a household, your ability to lead with vision, clarity, and compassion depends on how well you take care of yourself.

When you take the trip—whether it’s across the globe or across town—you create space for new energy, deeper purpose, and unexpected inspiration. You return not just recharged, but transformed.

So, go. Book the trip. Take the walk. Laugh harder. Sleep longer. Disconnect to reconnect—with yourself, your purpose, and the people who matter most. The trip you take might just lead you back to yourself.

At Level Up Empowerment Coaching, we believe that your best self is your whole self. Let’s replace burnout with breakthroughs and busyness with balance—because joy and leadership can absolutely coexist.

Level Up Empowerment Coaching offers personalized coaching, emPOWERing webinars, and transformative courses. Together, we can help you achieve the success you deserve and embrace your true potential. Don't let self-doubt hold you back any longer, take the first step towards a brighter future today! #empower #levelup #woman

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