As we enter the summer switch-off in Australia, here’s a different kind of to-do list for the holidays.

Nobody wants to be told to relax. It feels counter-intuitive to be instructed to on how to have down-time. But sometimes, in the busy-ness, it can be hard to go from full speed to idle. These 12 prompts are ways of crossing over into the recharge zone.

Intended as a gentle thought starter, I created this list in 2010 as a way of giving myself some prompts for downtime and reflection after a particularly challenging year, and finding that I really didn’t know how to switch off.

Reflect. Consider the successes and lessons of the year that has passed.

Revel. There are many opportunities for celebration. Take them. Share them.

Recharge. Chances are, you have worked hard all year. Put some fuel in the tank.

Randomise. Disruption is great for creativity. Break habits. Get lost. See what you discover.

Reconnect. Connect with the people you wanted to see more of during the year.

Regress. Summer is a great time to play. Humans learn from play – it is an ingrained skill we sometimes forget to exercise.

Read. For pleasure. There’s no award for the number of business books you consume on holiday.

Reframe. We are often in a different place over holidays (even if that different place is ‘home’!) Consider the landscape and allow the different space to inspire new thoughts.

Recognise. Notice those things you miss when you are flat out. What would it take to notice them at other times of the year?

Record. Keep a holiday journal. Save those insights.

Retain. Decide what you want to retain for the year ahead. Hold onto the right things.

Relax.

Thank you, clients, colleagues, co-creators, collaborators and competitors…

I’ll be back in the new year with new projects, new collaborations and some other big news!

Until then, happy and safe holidays to you and yours.

Cheers

Jonathan