I love going to events. If not for the content, for the social interaction and hanging out with familiar and unfamiliar faces. But I have to confess something. Events are intense anytime when travel is involved. It doesn’t bother me much before and during the event, but afterward I feel tired as hell and I don’t want to do a damn thing about it.
I learned quite a few things at BlogWorld Expo and the infusion of energy that I put into it, connecting and listening to so many talks and chats that it overwhelmed me. So much so when I came back, I only could recall bits and pieces of a torrent of information.
I figure this is normal for anyone attending an event they really enjoyed. That post-event burn, overwhelm and chaos. It’s tough to prioritize who to follow-up with and to check out their sites and carry on offline (ironically, online) conversations. Likewise, balancing the inverted pyramid on my already-full plate of responsibilities.
This weekend, I checked out. No, not quit. But mentally checked-out and relaxed at home and it felt good. I tinkered a bit on Keynote on my long-awaited Parents Guide to Social Media personal project. And I slept. A lot. This recovery nearly a week after an event was so worth it because it’s how I overcome “event burn.”
Not only do I feel physically rested, restored and motivated. I actually feel capable of following through on all my commitments. Funny, I say that now, but really, it’s liberating. If I didn’t follow up with you, it’s not because I didn’t want to. Really, I did. And I will. I just was out of it following the event.
So, it may be worth it to budget a couple days following a live event to recuperate. And take that time to reflect on what one learned and turn their doubts into reason to execute.
If this is a sign of anything, it’s a sign of my personal affairs getting back in order and that I’ll be a little more active on my blog and sharing some awesome stuff with you.
~joe
