If you work from home or run your own business, I know it can be challenging to fit larger projects into your day-to-day schedule. And honestly, some days it can be a challenge just to stay focused long enough to accomplish anything.
That’s why I recently got away to New Orleans to host my own solo work retreat. It was just a for a few days, but it was a chance for me to get away and get some deep focus-work done for my summer launch of The Localpreneur Bootcamp.
I stayed at The Sully Mansion in New Orleans. This seemed like close enough to home that it didn’t take too much planning or travel on my part. But it was just far enough to feel like a true getaway.
If you have a bigger project to complete or some deep focused-work you’d like to get done, I highly recommend getting away. It’s amazing what a new space can do for your creativity. Plus, I found myself so focused because I knew exactly what I planned to accomplish during my stay.
View this post on Instagram
Here are my tips to create the perfect work retreat:
1- Go alone for a few days
Of course I know I could have had way more fun in New Orleans (or anywhere) with my husband. But that would have meant less actual working for me.
Since this stay was designated for work and to focus and create, I knew I had to go alone. That meant no distractions for 3 days.
The amount of time you choose to go is also important. How long do you think you’ll really be able to focus on your project?
Choose a time frame that feels good to you with enough time to get something accomplished but also not so long that it will be hard to maintain that level of deep focus.
2- Be intentional with what you will work on
Before going on your work retreat, choose something specific you will work on and complete.
I knew I had a certain amount of emails and scripts to write before my next launch of The Localpreneur Bootcamp. I went knowing the exact number of pieces of content I’d create and the topics. This kept me hyper-focused on the task at hand with an end goal in mind.
Don’t go on a work retreat without a plan. This could lead to working on anything, scrolling on social media and not being focused on an important task.
You’ll leave wondering where your time went and what you actually got done. This is sometimes what happens in my normal day to day, so I wanted to prevent that.
Consider creative things to work on (like writing or content creation). Choose something that may be harder to focus on in your normal work routine.
3- Choose an elevated space
Working in pretty spaces is a work retreat requirement for me. I want to be inspired by my space. I want it to generate elevated emotions and inspiration.
Choose a location that has good views like beaches, nature, mountains or street views.
The Sully Mansion was a perfect location. It’s a 3-story mansion builtin the late 1800s, which is now a bed and breakfast.
The rooms are amazing with fireplaces and big windows, a wrap around porch, a courtyard, garden… it’s amazing.
It felt fancy and really was truly an elevated space.
There were also lots of options of places to sit and work throughout the mansion. I highly consider a place that has a lot of seating options.
If you’re going to be working there for a few days, you’ll want to switch up where you sit when you start to feel restless.
Maybe this is a table, desk, living area, balcony, etc. The Sully Mansion had several rooms for me to work in, including my room, the dining room and their front porch!
4- Wear things that make you feel good
Since you’ll be in an elevated space, you’ll also want to elevate the way you dress.
I packed cute sundresses that were comfortable to work in, but still not my standard work-from-home yoga pants.
Pick something that makes you feel good and that helps you step into this elevated self-concept and gets you excited to get creative.
5- Pamper Yourself
Plan to reward yourself for your hard work while you’re there.
I packed a face mask and some fancier “special occasion” beauty products. I was sure to squeeze in some yoga and daily meditation. I also packed a book I could read at night.
Scope out a local happy hour or nice restaurant you can take yourself to after you’re done working for the day.
Michael doesn’t eat poke, so I ate it every night since I was alone!
Think of different ways to treat yourself in a way that feels good for you.
For me that’s face masks, books and wine.
