Just returned from a 10-day off-grid RV journey through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with my family. This trip recharged my energy, strengthened family bonds, and sparked profound business insights. Here are nine key leadership lessons I gained.
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1. Scam and duplicate.
In contractor circles, R&D stands for 'scam and duplicate'—not research and development. Rather than reinventing the wheel, identify proven processes (both effective and unsuccessful ones) and adapt them to your needs. My wife exemplified this by gathering itineraries from friends who'd made the same trip. By tweaking their experiences, we saved time and unlocked incredible adventures.
2. Don't overlook your backyard.
On a recent flight, my daughter met an Australian mother-daughter duo who'd traveled the world for six months. Their favorite spot? Yellowstone. I've heard this repeatedly from international families during our trip. We often chase distant exotics while ignoring local gems—whether places, people, or opportunities. For instance, we scour the country for hires but miss standout talent in our own teams.
3. Use your built-in camera.
The human eye rivals a 480-megapixel camera. Yet we prioritize capturing moments over living them, snapping endless photos we'll rarely revisit. True, lasting memories form through all senses—savor organic experiences. I took plenty of shots (earning plenty of 'Dad, not another picture!'), but the highlights—like a bison herd crossing our path at dawn or a solar eclipse—were best felt, not photographed.
4. Follow the herd.
Crowds can guide you right at vague sites. We trailed groups to key spots successfully—but cautiously. Once, a roadside cluster turned out to be mimicking others without real sightings. Blind following fails; ask smart questions first.
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5. Less can be more.
Sharing 200 square feet with four others for 10 days proved possessions don't define happiness. Minimalism freed us—fewer clothes, toys, gadgets. We met full-time RVers who'd ditched homes for mobility and joy. I packed light but could have gone lighter still.
6. Constraints fuel creativity.
Limits on space and resources spark ingenuity over wasteful spending. Duct tape and bungee cords solved countless issues. Trip highlights included skillet-baked ice cream cookie pie over campfire—a new family tradition—and clever waste management you don't appreciate until you're hauling it.
7. Over-scheduling is overrated.
Busyness masquerades as productivity, even on vacation. I often cram itineraries, diluting joy. With kids and 10 days across epic parks, we planned hikes and swims—but the magic happened unplanned: roadside bear watches on my son's birthday, s'mores, reminiscing games. Less structure meant richer memories. We've since prioritized family weekends over fragmented activities.
8. Dare to delegate.
This trip succeeded thanks to team coordination, clear processes, and escalation paths. For the first time, I fully unplugged from email—deleting it from my phone. Imperfect at launch, it revealed gaps to refine. The payoff? Deeper rest and smarter email habits moving forward.
9. Embrace digital detox.
My first true detox brought initial withdrawal, eased by Day 3—especially with Yellowstone's spotty signal. Free from pings, I read, wrote, and connected deeply with my kids through games and presence. Vacations like this ignite creative, strategic thinking for your business. Try it.
Related: 5 tips for entrepreneurial success
Excerpted with permission from Friday Forward.
