Source: Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
I'm just coming off another rapid-fire travel schedule, where in the last 5 weeks, I've been in:
- San Diego
- Tampa
- Chicago
- Detroit
- With cameo appearances in Toronto, aka home.
So how does the "Boundaries Guy" book himself that kind of travel schedule?
Ironically, with boundaries.
All but the Tampa trip was pre-planned and scheduled. Tampa was to visit my Mom who was hospitalized for several weeks, due to complications of intestinal surgery. Thankfully she's on the road to recovery, albeit slowwwwww.
Back in the late 90s, I used to travel every week, installing network systems at small to mid-sized insurance agencies. I would typically fly out early Monday morning, arrive at the client's office around lunch time, and work marathon hours until the new network was up and running. Inevitably, there would be some issues with the install (missing parts, defective servers, not enough cabling, etc.) but somehow, most of the installs finished on time and with the new network up and running.
Little did I know then, but my ability to organize and prioritize tasks made those weekly deployments effective and efficient. Those same skills allow me to travel with ease.
Years ago, when I was crossing US/Canada border on a daily basis, I signed up for the Nexus program, which basically is access to the express lane when crossing the border by land. It also works for air, when flying between the US and Canada. I'm also TSA-Pre certified, so I really save hours of my life by going in the pre-security checked lines.
Even though I am efficient in how I travel (packed bags, carryon bag that easily fits below the seat in front of me, so I can avoid the overhead bin drama that EVERY flight seems to have), travel does take a toll.
Boundaries allowed me to coordinate those trips, and make the transition from stop to stop.
Having said that, I'm tired. Travel wears you out, no matter how much fun you have, or the quality of the hotel bed. It's good to be home for a rest.
Along the travels I've met some incredible people.
Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary and yours truly
Speaking at conferences to help people design the life that they want and DESERVE to live is a complete joy to me, even if tiring. It creates situations like above, where you get to have a private conversation with interesting people.
I know what burnout feels like, and when you are tired from travel or huge work requirements, the ingredients for burnout are there. The key is to recognize them early on, so you can take the steps necessary to correct course, and navigate to your true North.
If you're struggling with burnout or a lack of boundaries, I would love to have a no-obligation chat with you. Click the button below to schedule a call with me.
Be well!