Planning Retreat - No. 4 - The First Evening
Backstep Forward Newsletter
by Kyle Mast
A short, to-the-point, weekly newsletter.
One challenge to take a step back.
One idea to propel you forward.
By regularly reviewing your past thoughts, ideas, and goals, you ensure your former flashes of insight have the chance to become a life-changing light. (Share this on Twitter)
Today is the day! You are heading off to your planning retreat!
Do your very best to leave all normal work behind. Your goal for this afternoon and evening is simple: to set yourself up for success during your main planning day tomorrow.
Backstep (Travel to the location)
Use the 2-3 hour drive to your location to consider what you want to cover during your retreat. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It should be a time of stepping back from the normal busyness of everyday life and preparing yourself to focus on big-picture planning. Be sure to have a way to record any thoughts you have (I voice record them on my phone while driving) to be able to review them on the retreat.
My favorite thing to do on this drive is to listen, or re-listen, to a solid book. Sometimes, I listen to a new book, but often, I re-listen to one that has been helpful in the past. Here are a few of my all-time favorite recommendations that I have listened to countless times over the years. I will be paying my kids to read each one of these.
The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. Everyone should read this book at some point.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown. Likely the best book out there on prioritizing what matters most.
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. A shorter book with a powerful message on life choices.
Atomic Habits by James Clear. The best book on habits that has shattered best-seller records.
Most of the time, I try to read something that will force me out of the daily grind to think about things in a new, broader, or different way. However, sometimes I choose a specific book on a specific life topic I am interested in at that point, like Escape 101 when I began planning regular extended travel for my family.
Forward (Settle in and prepare)
Upon arrival, take some time to unpack and settle in.
This evening should be low-key and mostly reflective as you look forward to the main planning day tomorrow. Be sure to get to sleep at a good time so you are fully rested.
Use this evening to review your goals, blessings, and accomplishments over the past quarter and year. Take a walk, or three. Review your financial situation at a high level. Grab a bowl of clam chowder with a view of the ocean. Review any notes you might have from conferences, sermons, or talks you attended. Glance through your journal entries. All the while noting topics and ideas you will want to sift through tomorrow during the main planning day. Relax, think, and pray.
By regularly reviewing your past thoughts, ideas, and goals, you ensure your former flashes of insight have the chance to become a life-changing light. (Share this on Twitter)
Kyle Mast
Christ follower, blessed husband, growing father, business founder/owner/seller, real estate investor.