The little holiday experiment

                           Photo via Freepik

Personal development: the small holiday experiment
About personal leadership, break free of habits and surprise yourself 

Will you join the little holiday experiment?
The summer holidays are an ideal time to break away from your set rhythm. Yet we often fall into patterns even on holiday: the same beach, the same routine of relaxing or doing things. And that's not at all surprising - habits provide a foothold. But... what if you did things differently this summer? How about stepping off the beaten track and taking part in a small holiday experiment? Small. Playful. New.

Doing otherwise - why really?
Taking a slightly different approach to things than you are used to fits nicely with the ideas of ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), which we also work with at LemonGrass Coaching. This is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy, but with a fresh perspective.

ACT teaches us: by trying different behaviour, by experimenting, we can have new experiences. Experiences that can inspire, enrich or even set us in motion. Even (especially!) on holiday. You are encouraged to scrutinise and recognise your fixed patterns. And you are encouraged to step out of them, with compassion, every now and then.

A little holiday experiment
You can start with your own rules or 'musts'. What do you all have to do with yourself - even on holiday?

• I have to plan well.
• When I am on holiday I always have to do something cultural.
• I need to relax.
• I have to take out аll.

Recognisable? What if you let go of some of those inner rules this year? Not because you have to - but just to see what happens. Think of it as a mini-experiment. Small. Playful. New. Are you willing to put up with the inconvenience that may come with that?

Suggestions for a fresh holiday experience:

• Are you a planner?  Start your day without a plan. Let arise what presents itself and be guided by chance: choose a restaurant without Google advice.
• Introverted? Join a group activity and see what it brings you.
• Extraverted? Spend half a day in silence - without conversations or screens.
• Are you a beach bum? Go for a morning stroll through an old town and be surprised by what you find.
• Always basic on holiday? Book a night in a luxury hotel and feel what it does to you.
• Always in charge? Ask a local about his or her favourite place - and go there without expectations.
• Sports minded? Try something outside your comfort zone: surfing, salsa, snorkelling or yoga.

Take something back
At the end of your holiday, you can ask yourself these questions:

• What did I do differently than usual?
• Is there anything that surprised or touched me?
• What do I want to bring to my daily life?

Who knows, maybe one little experiment will bring you exactly what you needed in your development - even if you don't know it now.

Do you want to work further on your personal development? Or are you looking for a career coach, stress & burn-out coach or executive coach? You are welcome for an informal introduction. Feel free to send a message to janique@lemongrasscoaching.nl or to info@lemongrasscoaching.nl.