A quote from author H. Jackson Brown Jr. reads, “Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.” As young professionals constantly battling the Millennial labels of “lazy, unfocused, and entitled,” I’d like to think we have professional discipline down to a science.
Discipline is a necessary tool in our kit that enables us to combat common public perception and make our unique marks within the companies we serve. We are experts in our subject matter (because we had to be – we graduated into a cutthroat job market during a recession). Using the latest technology to our advantage is something we do daily to increase workplace efficiency. And we obsess over tracking our fitness steps and calories to keep our bodies at optimal performance. However, it’s become clear that there is one thing we are becoming less disciplined in doing – and that is taking time to unwind.
Whether it’s taking a day to travel to a hiking trail or a week to travel to Mexico – Millennials seem increasingly unable to block off time in their calendars for vacation. And it’s concerning, as research from the American Psychological Association shows that Millennials comprise a generation more stressed than any generation prior. As young professionals striving to make our marks in the workplace, we must remember to take time for ourselves – and there is some convincing research that backs that.
Traveling Can Increase Creativity and Focus
When I am struck with writers block, my first instinct is to get up and walk away from my writing. This can be effective to an extent. But let’s say I took it a step further and traveled to Quebec for a few days. Research indicates that this may get the creative juices flowing. Studies show that individuals who have lived abroad in their lifetime tend to be more creative. One particular study from the Academy of Management Journal, performed within the fashion industry, showed that cultural distance indicated an organization’s level of creative innovation. Furthermore, a study published in Science Daily demonstrates that even brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one’s ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods.
More Vacations = More Money (No, really)
At a previous workplace, I can vividly remember several colleagues who would make it a point to sit out of company festivities and celebrations. These folks always claimed they were “too busy” and would practically gloat about the amount of work in front of them. A cultural shift has taken place so that many have become workplace martyrs, thinking this will lead to success. But research shows the opposite. A recent study by Harvard Business Review showed that if you take 11 or more of your vacation days, you are more than 30% more likely to receive a raise.
Relaxing Improves Your Health (Duh)
It seems fairly obvious that taking time away from the workplace can have mental health benefits such as reduced stress, anxiety, and improved sleep. However, more impressive are the physical impacts of vacationing, such as prevention of headaches, backaches, and even heart disease, according to a recent article from inc.
All told, the case is strong to put aside the martyr lifestyle and embrace vacationing. And if there’s anything I can get behind in this day and age, it’s research-based facts. So the next time you’re faced with the decision to take vacation or go into the office, do as other Millenials could not … and get good at breaking – even if it’s just to binge Breaking Bad.
By: Amy Giangiulio, VisionCorps
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