More holidays = More productive?


Hello Reader!

There was something going on in my life a few days ago.

I went on a holiday with my family for 4 days on a cruise from Miami to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas!

Here is a picture of me enjoying myself:

It was like the cherry on top of a successful few months of hard work.

Now, let me rewind a bit and give you a taste of what went down in that productive quarter.

I was on fire!

I was hustling and achieving big things at my job, especially with the AdventHealth app.

During the last quarter, I wrote a book, guide, and 100+ articles, enhanced my Notion-based products, learned Python, and a developing the next version of the AdventHealth App.

We had this intense two-day planning session at my 9-to-5 job where we mapped out our strategies and set the stage for the upcoming major release of the AdventHealth App.

But you know what? All that hard work needs a reward!

So, I packed up my bags, got my family together, and we hit the ocean.

We've been doing this like clockwork, every single quarter.

We've conquered the Stone Mountains, witnessed the majestic Niagra Falls, explored the vibrant streets of India, and even hiked the Smokey Mountains.

Talk about making memories.

The holiday was AWESOME.

I spent less screen time while making new friends on the cruise and spending time with my family.

I was having some of the best moments in my life.

But I realized something…

This holiday was not just some typical holiday.

It’s a reward for myself after working so hard in the previous quarter.

It’s a treat for my soul after solving many career problems.

It’s like a fresh, cold orange juice sip after a hot sunny day.

I believe that a holiday is an important part of being productive.

How taking more holidays will make you more productive and level up your career as a developer?

Here are 3 reasons why you should take more holidays:

1. Rest and recovery.

Having a fun time during the holidays allows you to take a rest and recover from all the work that you previously do during the work.

Let's get real here – You are not a robot, Reader.

You need rest. It's like oxygen for your soul.

Forget this idea that you have to be chained to your desk, sacrificing all your precious hours and days for work.

We've all been fooled by this hustle culture.

We think that success only comes to those who work nonstop, 24/7, with no breaks allowed.

But guess what? That's a big lie!

Your life is about more than just Git log, coding, and troubleshooting web problems.

You're a human being, and you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Taking a holiday doesn't mean you're slacking off.

It means you're taking care of yourself.

You're hitting that pause button and embracing the joy and excitement that life has to offer.

Remember, you're not a machine.

You're a developer with a vibrant, beautiful life outside of work

2. Increased creativity

So picture this: You've been grinding, coding, and problem-solving day in and day out.

Sometimes your brain starts to feel like it's running on fumes, right?

This is when having a holiday will impact your creativity.

When I was on the cruise, there were THOUSANDS of new ideas coming into my mind as I enjoyed the scenery of the magnificent ocean.

Stepping away from and engaging in different activities during your holiday is like a burst of fresh air for your creativity.

I'm talking about a whole new level of inspiration here!

You are in a new place, surrounded by different experiences, cultures, and environments.

A symphony of ideas is just waiting to explode in your mind.

Your brain starts firing on all cylinders

You begin to see problems from angles you never thought possible.

You know what happens when that innovative spark hits you?

Bam! Innovative problem-solving, my friend!

Suddenly, you're coming up with solutions that blow everyone's minds.

Your fresh perspective and those new ideas you picked up on your holiday? They're like secret weapons in your coding arsenal.

You start tackling challenges like a champion, breaking through barriers with ease.

It's like you've unlocked a whole new level of coding wizardry.

3. Skill retention and growth

When you're constantly working without taking a break, it's like putting your skills on a slow-motion treadmill.

Yeah, it may seem like you're going fast, but you're not really getting anywhere.

Taking holidays at the end of each quarter, now that's the secret sauce to keeping your skills sharp and your growth game strong.

It's like hitting the refresh button on your development journey.

Think about it: When you take that well-deserved break, you're not just lounging on a beach or exploring new places (although that's pretty awesome, too).

You're also reflecting on your work.

You're taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture.

You will start asking yourself, "What worked? What didn't? How can I improve?"

It's in those moments of reflection that real growth happens.

You're learning from your experiences, analyzing your wins and losses, and figuring out how to level up your game.

You're not just coasting along.

You're actively investing in your growth as a developer.

Maybe you'll pick up a new programming language, explore a different framework, or dive into a side project that's been calling your name.

You're not just a developer.

You're a continuous learner.

A skilful explorer.

A master of your craft.

Embrace those holidays and watch as your skills and growth soar.

Don't underestimate the power of a well-deserved break.

It's not just about getting away from work.

It's about rejuvenating your spirit, strengthening your bonds, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

So go ahead, plan those epic adventures, and let the good times roll.

Life is meant to be lived, so make every quarter count!

That’s a wrap!

Your friend,

Vinod.

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