A recent post from the Glasers (below) and a leadership development plan from an MBA student got me thinking differently about recreation.
The student had Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence as one of her top strengths which she initially thought wasn’t relevant for her leadership. After some encouragement she did start to think harder about how she could use her strength. The answer came when her plans for self care as a leader (going to the gym) didn’t resonate with her. What she did find effective was taking some time to appreciate the beauty around her gave her the recharge and stress reduction that she needed to lead.
I have just finished a coaching programme with someone who has love of learning as a top strength. In the debrief with the manager she commented how energised he was by the process of learning about himself and leadership. He also commented how he felt cautious about the coaching until he started activating his love of learning. Given his top strength, perhaps a skill-cation is the thing for him – or you?
Here’s why skill-cations are gaining serious momentum
A skill-cation is a getaway built around learning a skill, mastering a challenge, or diving into a creative pursuit. Research shows these kinds of vacations don’t just refresh your body — they reset your mind.
- They break the burnout loop: Learning something new forces your brain to shift focus, helping you escape work stress and mental fatigue.
- They make rest more rewarding: Physical and mental effort during a skill-cation leads to deeper sleep and a stronger sense of relaxation.
- They boost confidence: You return home with a new skill — and a renewed sense of accomplishment that fuels motivation long after the trip ends.
- They redefine leisure: Experts say “productive leisure” (like learning, painting, hiking, or volunteering) delivers longer-lasting satisfaction than passive downtime.
Want to feel sharper, more fulfilled, and ready to tackle life when you return? Think about using your strengths when you are on holiday — and come back better than ever!
