I recently finished reading Paris Letters and it was one of those bittersweet experiences where you don’t want it to end.
The writing was so good. The story was so powerful. I wanted to travel back in time and erase my memories so that I could become Former Hyatt and read it all over again…for the first time!
When you come across an incredible book, blog, product, business, or a successful, powerful woman who seems to have it all figured out, it can stir up a lot of emotions — especially if that’s something you long to create (or become), yourself.
You might feel envy. You might feel depressed. You might feel inspired to reach higher.
Mostly? I feel curious.
My first questions are usually, “How did she get here?” “How did she create this life?” and “How did she make this thing happen?”
As a life and business coach, I want to know that real dirt so that I can pass some of that juju along to my clients and friends.
Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite lady-authors, bloggers, artists, and business owners {really} get stuff done?
I did the research, hunting down info on historical icons and modern-day rockstars, too. This is what I found:
- Maya Angelou
The late Maya Angelou needed absolute peace and quiet in order to write her masterful poems, essays and books. She would check herself into a hotel, have all of the paintings removed (no distractions!), and pray for guidance. She’d do the bulk of her writing throughout her hotel stay. Items in her room: legal pads, a bottle of sherry, playing cards, a Bible and Roget’s Thesaurus.
- Sarah Von Bargen
Following in Maya’s shoes, lifestyle and travel blogger Sarah Von Bargen checks herself into a local hotel for two nights every month where she cranks out several week’s worth of blog content in rapid batches. She finds a last-minute hotel deal on Hotwire, drives an hour or so out of town, checks in, and doesn’t log onto the Internet during her entire stay. (She calls it a “DIY Writing Retreat.”
- Danielle LaPorte
Danielle — a modern-day spiritual philosopher and bestselling author — is in the process of building her very own video, sound and painting studio. (Ooh. So dreamy. I predict a deluge of gorgeous new products from this creative empress…)
- Melissa Cassera
This business and publicity expert — who’s also an emerging screenwriter — checks herself into a cute AirBnB rental or rustic cabin for several weeks a year. No husband. No rigid agenda. Just her travel companion — a Shih Tzu named Lily — and her laptop. She calls this a “work-cation” (“working vacation”) and says that it is easily her most productive time of the entire year.
- Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth found the inspiration to write her bestselling memoir — Eat, Pray, Love — while taking a soul-quest through Italy, India and Indonesia. (Oprah loved the book so much, she invited Elizabeth to appear on her TV show — twice.)
Elizabeth’s pre-game ritual for writing new books?
“When it comes time to work, clean everything in the house. (Alternatively, move to a new house that is already clean.) Inform everyone that they may not be hearing from me for a while. (Apologize in advance for that.) Clear off my schedule until I have a nice long block of empty time. Bow down. Ask for grace. Commit to the idea of collaborating with the book, not going to war against it. Cross fingers. Make a cup of tea. Begin.”
- Beyonce
Queen Bey, who seems to pack more into one 24-hour period than is humanly possible, also seems to go on vacation… constantly. She and her family recently enjoyed an epic, multi-week vacation to celebrate Beyonce’s 32nd birthday. (My theory? Sunbathing in her bikini = required R&R time to fuel up for her insane recording and tour schedule.)
- Me! (I’m totally one of your fav ladies, right? 🙂
My at-home work vibe is pretty boring. I wake up at 5am. I lace up my sneakers. I go for a run. I work until… I’m done. I usually take Fridays off (I call it: “Fun Friday!”) and I use that day for pleasure, rest, lunches with friends, and catching up on personal time.
I’ve also gotten obsessed with traveling to places I’ve never been before: Maui, Italy, London, Thailand. Every time I start planning a trip, my inner worrywart freaks out (“Too expensive! Unrealistic! What about the kiiids!”) but I eventually coach myself through it, book the tickets, and make it happen.
Have I ever regretted one of my travel adventures? Never. Not even the tiniest bit.
Each experience has been life altering and wildly productive — usually in ways that I could not possibly have predicted.
I can personally confirm what neuro-scientists have recently proven:
Vacation is good for your brain.
We’re all unique and we all have our own creative rhythms, needs and preferences.
But there’s a pretty obvious thread that connects all of the women I just profiled:
If you want to get big things done, you’ve got to break out of your usual routine.
Unplug. Get on a plane. Check yourself into a hotel. Go on vacation. Plan a road trip. Or drive to a quirky motel thirty minutes outside of your hometown.
Doesn’t matter where you go.
Doesn’t matter if it’s for one afternoon, one week, or a six-month sabbatical.
All that matters is giving yourself the ultimate gift:
Time to do what you want.
Time to quiet your mind, organize your ideas, put your fingers on the keyboard, brush paint onto the canvas, update your website, finish your memoir, re-architect your entire business model, complete whatever project is tugging at your spirit, or just REST and build your strength for the marathon of activities waiting back at home.
I am continually astonished by what I can accomplish when I actually give myself the time to do it.
What do you need time for, right now? What do you crave?
Nobody will “give” you the time you need. It’s to you to claim it and create it.
Decide that you deserve it. (Honey, you do. Maya and I are both cheering for you.)
Remove the distractions.
Make it happen.
Susan
P.S. You. Me. Eight women. A manor in Ireland. We’ll be surrounded by lush walking trails, waterfalls, pristine lakes, plus adorable pubs, shops, and historic landmarks.
One week. August 15-22, 2015. What could you use this time to plan, write, clarify or create? Let’s find out. Two spots left. Register now.
Basic retreat info: https://susanhyatt.co/travel/
Specific details on the Ireland retreat: https://susanhyatt.co/ireland/
Take a deep breath, squeal and wiggle in your seat, and make your deposit here: https://susanhyatt.co/product/travel-to-ireland/
See you on the Emerald Isle…
