So, I just got back from a whirlwind adventure.  My family and I travelled to Paris where we saw the Eiffel Tower in all its glory, perused the cobblestone streets and soaked in the fantastic artwork.  And to top it all off, we ended our trip by going  to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland!! I’m still riding that high from all the magic and memories!

But now reality's really knocking on my door, I got back to tax season crunch time - and let me tell you, it is a LOT.  I could almost use a second vacation!  If you’re a business owner that gets back from a trip and thinks “Why did I leave?!?!”  You’re definitely not alone!

The highs of new experiences and the opportunity to get away from the stress of everyday life can sometimes mean that when we get back to reality, the adjustment can be hard.  Especially with all the pressures of running your own business.  

So how am I dealing? Here’s some practical tips to help you transition smoothly from Mickey ears to business gears!

Ease into it: 

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is your return to normal life. Give yourself a buffer day or two before diving headfirst into work. Sometimes a trip can be really fun, but not that restful.  To get back in the full swing of things, make sure you’re starting off strong by catching up on all the sleep you’ve missed!  Use this time to unpack, do laundry, and simply bask in the afterglow of your vacation. Hold onto those feelings and let them fuel your motivation as you ease back into work mode. 

Get organized: 

Before you left for vacation, you probably tied up loose ends and set up automatic replies to let people know you were away. Now it's time to untangle those knots and get back on track. Start by clearing out your inbox, updating your calendar, and making a to-do list to get a clear picture of what needs to be done.

Set realistic goals: 

You might have a bit to catch up on, but don't overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle everything at once. Instead, prioritize your tasks and set achievable goals for the day or week. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.  

Find your motivation: 

Remember why you started this journey in the first place. Whether it's pursuing your passion, providing for your family, or achieving your dreams, hold onto that vision and let it drive you forward, even on days when you'd rather be back on Space Mountain.  Remember, it makes sense that you might not feel like getting back into the swing of work - vacations are ultimate fun!  What work can compete with that?  Feel your feelings and remember that it’s going to pass, and the why is going to remain.

Celebrate the small wins: 

Transitioning back to work after a vacation can feel like a daunting task, so be sure to celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it's crossing off items on your to-do list, receiving positive feedback from a client, or simply making it through the day with a smile on your face, acknowledge and reward yourself for your efforts!  You’re on the right track, you just need to keep going!

Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel a little post-vacation blues as you readjust to reality. But with a positive mindset and practical tools in your toolkit, you'll be back in the groove of things before you know it. So, take a deep breath, put on your Mickey ears (metaphorically speaking), and let's conquer the world, one magical adventure at a time!