You know the feeling. It’s Friday afternoon, the big vacation starts in a few hours, and you’re flying around the office getting things done. At the end of the day, you feel great, and you know it’s because vacation is starting.
And you’re right — but that’s not the only reason. You also probably feel great about your work, because you’re likely on top of your game right now. David Allen said it well in his popular book Getting Things Done:
Most people feel best about their work the week before their vacation, but it’s not because of the vacation itself. What do you do the last week before you leave on a big trip? You clean up, close up, clarify, and renegotiate all your agreements with yourself and others. I just suggest that you do this weekly instead of yearly.
This is easier said than done, but it’s 100% true. If you can regularly keep your inbox cleaned up, your to-do list organized, and have a solid feel for where all of your projects stand, you’ll feel great about your work and what you’re accomplishing.
If you’re not sure how to make that happen, start with his book and go from there.
