Was it a Vacation?
David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer
Each year I attend the International Maxwell Certification event so that my John Maxwell Team certifications stay current. The three-day event is typically held in Orlando, but due to COVID, it was once again a virtual event. The organization used a new platform called Hopin, and they went out of their way to make you feel you were there in person. The site was set up to replicate the various places you could visit at the Marriott World Center. Each location was a meeting site, and they even allowed us to schedule virtual meetings with others attending the event. The days were long, but It was amazing.
Leading up to last week, I was struggling to stay positive. It was like I had to have a personal pep rally before each class, coaching session, and meeting. Something wasn’t right. It shouldn’t be this hard. That all started to change when a small box was dropped off at my house by our friendly letter carrier Larry. The black box had a beautiful gold seal the read JMT 10th Anniversary. Inside the box were items that I would have received at the event in Orlando. This small box added fuel to a flame that had almost completely died out.
Three days of training resulted in 26 pages of notes. I received incredible content, met new people, and perhaps most important, I had my batteries recharged. On our Friday staff check-in meeting, I commented that I wish there were 48 hours in the day because I have so much that I want to get done. How did it happen? How could sitting in front of my computer screens for three-plus days result in more, not less energy? Simple, I was around people who were inspired. The energy was palpable. People were excited to be together even though it was virtual, and the content was top-notch.
You can’t just keep running. At some point, you will burn out. Where are you getting your refill? Learning is inspiring. Being around inspired people will lift you to the next level. Once again, where are you getting your refill? People depend on you, and you can’t give what you don’t have.
Was it a vacation? No, not at all, but it might have been even better for me. Don’t get me wrong, vacations are necessary, and I have some scheduled for this year, but when the snow was melting and the sky was grey, I needed a dose of inspiration and learning, and I have been filled to overflowing.
If you would like to hear what my key learnings were at IMC, please join Marisa Norcross and me for Episode 197 of The Next Page Podcast.
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