I share insights on living better, growing your business, and not taking yourself too seriously.
The last retreat you'll ever need to go to
Reader
Over the past month, I’ve been frustrated - more than usual.
During dinner with a close friend, I patiently listened as he complained about his partner. We’d had this conversation before and it always ended the same way. Lots of talk - not much action.
Over beers, another friend shared how he loves his new job (by my count his third in as many years) but still can’t find enough time for himself.
I have clients who’ve reached the financial security to allow them to retire. Instead, they continue to work long hours, trading health and family for the next big project.
I could go on and on about things people tell me they want, like more business, money, friends, or happiness but it’s often more talk than action. What about you? Do you have something within arms reach you need to do…like eating better, spending less, exercising more, or cleaning out the damn garage?
I have a solution.
Enter the GOWI retreat
The shuttle van pulls up to the hotel entrance and out steps a small group of excited travelers. Suitcases are wheeled up to the reception. Everyone is chatting - anticipation is high.
“Welcome to GOWI!,” I call out, getting everyone’s attention. “Please follow me to the patio.”
“But, don’t we need to check in first?” Calls out a man wearing what looks like a new Hawaiian-style shirt.
“Ah, no…” I reply, smiling, “You won’t be here that long.”
Once the small group is settled and drinks are served, I launch into my welcome speech.
“Show of hands,” I call out “how many of you have been to a self-improvement retreat before?”
Hands go up across the deck. “Okay, great.” I continue, “Now, how many of you returned home a changed person? I mean three weeks or three months later and you are still using what you learned and living life differently?”
“I know I tried.” I admit, “I took notes, underlined, highlighted - even reviewed my notes on the return flight - and committed to absolutely, definitely use everything I learned and do the things I promised I would do. Pinky swear.”
“And then life kicks me in the face.”
Into the compost
That new keto, paleo, vegetarian, Mediterranean - whatever - diet that promised to help you lose weight, live longer, or smooth the wrinkles is too hard to shop for, prepare, or find on the DoorDash app. So it goes in the compost.
Same goes for the yoga practice, morning meditation, journaling discipline, HIIT training, or love-language conversations. It seemed so doable when you sat in a circle or listened to the guru on stage—they were walking on water while the rest of us keep swimming in quicksand.
Back home, the dopamine dries up and you start looking for the next retreat, course, book, or video series. “This is it!” You think as you type your credit card into the order form, “Finally I will get the life, work, relationship, money, and happiness I deserve!”
Congratulations. You’re fueling up the self-help industry, but not driving your journey.
That’s why GOWI is so effective.
You don’t have to spend a painful week sitting cross-legged, enduring long lectures and awkward group meals. You won’t be filling a journal with notes, confessing your sins to a group of strangers, or walking on hot coals.
Fear not! To spare you the pain I've plowed ahead through a long field of “life-changing” solutions, taken the online courses, went to the retreats, bought back-of-room books, signed up for one-on-one coaching - even braved the hot coals. This is better. Much better.
Get On With It
GOWI stands for “Get On With It” That’s it. Get on with it!
Unless sheep cloning gets into the hands of some unethical scientists, we all get just one life. Whatever age you are, the clock is ticking. No do-over, no dress rehearsal, or rewriting your day for a reshoot - your movie is rolling and the credits are getting closer every day.
It’s time to get on with it.
I’m sure you already figured out there is no GOWI (sorry.) I’m not going to book a resort in Cabo anytime soon or send folks packing after a short lecture and their first Mojito.
Or maybe I should.
NOTES:
Go here to learn where the inspiration for this post came from (plus get my notes) https://hughculver.com/get-on-with-it/
I really (really) loved hearing from so many of you after the last post. How about this one? Email me back and let me know what you think. I read them all!
Share this post by forwarding the email, or clicking here https://hughculver.com/get-on-with-it/
One last note, I'm working hard on a new book - all about moving audiences to action. More on that soon.
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I share insights on living better, growing your business, and not taking yourself too seriously.
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