Whenever I teach about Personal Retreat Days, I get pushback: “I can’t possibly take one entire day a month to do this!“

I’m here to encourage you: a full day PRD is WORTH IT!! I’ve experimented with every type of PRD: full day, half day, 2 hour “sprint” PRD, and on some months — no PRD at all. After 10 years of doing PRDs (almost) every month, I can tell you without a doubt that the full day PRDs are so much more effective and powerful. Why? I believe it’s because we need ample time to slow down. To get into a rhythm of rest. To create space to process our emotions. 
 

We need TIME to reflect, to dream, to plan, and to rest.
 

So how in the world am I able to take an entire day off once a month to do that? I’m fortunate to be a free-lancer that has some control over my schedule and calendar. If you have a flexible calendar, it’s easier for sure, but it still takes a commitment to schedule that PRD day every month and stick with it.
 

If you have a more traditional job situation where you have to report to an office 5 days a week, then you will probably need to do your PRD on a weekend. Still – that’s only one weekend day a month. You have 7 more weekend days to spend with family and friends. If you live with someone, my suggestion is to “trade” your Personal Retreat Day with your significant other. Give them the gift of a day to themselves, too! Single parents, I hear you. It’s hard. Try to find another single parent friend to trade PRD dates with. (Bonus – the kids will love their full day playdates!)
 

You are WORTH spending time on! 
 

Here’s the truth: the hidden benefit of taking regular, monthly, FULL DAY Personal Retreat Days is that you will actually free up MORE time in the days to come. The time you spend will be returned to you. A PRD is an investment in yourself that results in a more determined, more efficient, and more generous person. A person who gets things done. And yes, a more JOYFUL person! Because you have taken time to “sharpen your axe”, you are able to chop more wood than if you had just kept grinding along. 

Still not convinced? Just test it. Give a yourself the gift of one full day this month to invest in your personal development and deep rest. Then try it again next month. And the following month. Let me know the results!