The idea for this newsletter hit me in an unlikely place: floating in the middle of a lake while on our family’s annual pilgrimage to a campy resort (think Kellerman’s, minus Patrick Swayze.)

It’s funny how some of our best ideas come while we’re furthest from our daily grind. Stepping back from the day-to-day hustle – swapping meetings and messages for mosquitos and marshmallows – forces a fresh perspective on what’s important.

Because I love a good system, this vacation-induced clarity led to a little framework to make counting down to this seasonal transition smoother and stronger for you:

I’m calling it “3-2-1-Goal.” 

This isn’t just another checklist - it’s a blueprint that can make any transition more effective. It’s about being intentional with what you carry forward:

Here’s how it works:

3 things you want to remember: Those moments of laughter, joy, awe or even challenge. Hold onto these memories. Research shows reflecting on positive experiences can boost your well-being and resilience.

2 things you learned: These could be new skills, or insights about yourself or your relationships. 

1 thing you want to subtract: There’s nothing like taking a break from something to make you realize, “WTF was I doing that for in the first place?” and “Would it really be the end of the world if I didn’t resume it?” We often add more to our lives, thinking that more effort equals more success. Research shows that subtraction is the smarter move. Even a small subtraction can add up to big time to devote to something that’s more crucial to what really matters.

Goal: As you turn the page on this chapter, what’s one goal that will move the needle for you in the next season?

3-2-1-Goal can be applied not just during seasonal transitions, but for any transition, to help you take stock of the “before” and prioritize for the “after.”

STOP CRAMMING IT ALL IN

While we’re on the topic of summer vacations, let’s talk about the urge to check in - even if we are technically supposed to be unplugged.

In The Difference Lab programs, we equip teams and individuals to identify their “Supposed To’s” -  those tasks  you feel obligated  to do but that might not be in service to your priorities. This compulsion to “check in” or keep on top of email is a biggie. 

What we really need to do is check ourselves by asking:

• “Who is expecting me to check in?” [Hint: This is often a self-imposed “supposed to”.]
• “What will happen if I don’t do it?” [Hint: Often, the rewards outweigh the risks.]

Next time you’re tempted to sneak a peek while off, pause and consider the benefits of true time away from work. 

WHAT WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT

Inspiring out-of-office messages. 

Resetting the cultural taboos of time off will be accelerated when workers not only “admit” to doing so but share it with pride. We’re not anti-hard work. We’re just pro-prioritizing.

Here are some of our favourite real-life examples of out-of-office messages, along with a recipe you can use to craft your own: 

“I am partaking in the great Canadian tradition of 3 day weekends up North, where I hope there’s ample fresh air and sunshine and no bugs!

While I’m away, if you encounter a [INSERT SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE] Emergency you can reach out to XXX who will triage and point you in the right direction.

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope the sun is shining where you are.”

This one’s brilliant because it paints a vivid picture of what the sender is doing. It then redirects the recipient to the appropriate contact while encouraging them to question the true urgency of the matter. It ends on a high note.

Here’s another:

“I’m away from work enjoying some family time, exploring [INSERT DESTINATION] with our daughter, and some theatre (of course)! I'll be back in the office on  [DATE] and will catch up on emails then. I'm fortunate to work with a fabulous team who can help you if you need support before then.

If you have a question about XX please contact YY.

Thanks for getting in touch.”

We love this OOO because it touches on the interests of the sender, and empowers their team to handle things in their absence, likely reducing the amount of catching up everyone has to do upon their return.

Have you received a creative or inspiring out-of-office message? Perhaps you’ve written one yourself? Please share it with us. Together we can help turn the tide on vacationing with pride.

Thanks for reading! 

Please don't email me this week. I'm in the lake. Maybe alone. 

I'll be back at work on September 3. 

Not happy with that? Then email Janet Winkler at jwinkler@thedifferencelab.com. She likes emails. 

Talk soon!

Amy Laski

Chief Strategy Officer at The Difference Lab