I just got home from spending the best part of three weeks in Bali. This is the view from my desk (it was a working holiday).

What does a working holiday in Bali look like? I still did mentoring and coaching over the phone back to Australia, worked on websites, did some planning, developed programs, worked on my IP and did some writing. I was fairly productive.

I also did some first class relaxation and rejuvenation ... and escaped Melbourne’s winter for a bit(looks like I picked a good time to do that too!).

I was reflecting on the importance of that while I was there - particularly given that I am now at green belt. The focus for green belt is activity, which means right now I am going hard. But I’m going hard like the middle part of a marathon, not going hard like a 100m sprint.

Running a practice as a thought leader takes endurance. One of things that you need to ask yourself when you are making the decision to go for black belt is do you have the stamina and endurance to go the distance.

If you decide you do, then you need to manage your energy along the way. Make sure you eat properly, exercise, relax and give yourself the best possible chance to be able to produce the level of activity required.

And personally I can’t think of a better way to do that than a stint on a tropical island. But that’s just me. I’d love to hear what you do to look after yourself and maintain your energy, stamina and productivity - so please leave your comments below.