I hold board meetings in the woods

Back when I was thinking about working for myself, I was really looking forward to the ability to do more hiking during the week. I enjoy it. The pup enjoys it. It's good for both of us. And I prefer to hike mid-morning or mid-afternoon, when there are less people on the trails.

At the same time, I was worried about the very real possibility that I wouldn't actually do more hiking. I was worried that I would feel too guilty leaving "work" to go on a hike. I was worried that it would feel like a luxury item - something that needed to wait until my business was doing very well.

Except it's really not a luxury item. I've been walking and/or trail running and/or hiking for years. The thing I know beyond a shadow of a doubt is that it is the time that clears my head, that gives me my best ideas, that takes rambling incoherent jumbled thoughts and turns them into something coherent. (If you could see inside my head, you would realize that this is not an easy feat.) Besides all that, it's easier to work when I know that the pup is well exercised.

Then, I had an idea. It was clear that Atlas would be the Vice President/Creative Director of my business. And it seemed obvious that the President and Vice President should meet regularly. So I decided that I would refer to our hikes as board meetings. That way, they might seem less like a luxury item and more like a necessary part of doing business.

As it turned out, the idea worked fabulously. We've been hiking all summer. And the hikes have indeed been useful.

I probably don't need to think of hikes as board meetings anymore because when I'm waffling, I can say, "You did this on the trail .. and this .. and this .." and I'm sold. But it is such a fun metaphor. (Though I will say that my Vice President does not seem very involved in the discussions. At least not as far as I can tell.)

Comments

[Josiane]

That is just great!
I really need a metaphor to help make sure I go outside more often too...

[steph]

That is an *awesome* way of looking at it. I love it!

[Kim Mailhot]

You are a pioneer, my Dear ! Imagine how much better this world would be if many more companies did their meetings on a hike or walk ? Brilliant ! No waffling necessary !!! Unless you put some maple syrup on them...;)
Brava to you, Brilliant One !

[{Sarah}]

I agree with Steph, what a wonderful way to look at your time outdoors! I've had a similar dilemma and you just totally cleared it up for me! Thanks sistah!

p.s. Would love to go hiking with you and our dogs sometime. Really need to get in shape this year :)

[elizabeth @ retinal perspectives]

@Sarah: I'm so glad to hear that! And yes - let's do that.

@Kim: Mmmm. Now I want waffles. ;) Walks are good for meetings. I must remember this for other times!

@Steph: :)

@Josiane: Metaphor Mouse to the rescue!