The View from Far Away: What Holidays Teach Us About Work, Identity, and Purpose

Dilek Süzal
Aug 14
3 min read

A strange thing happened while I was on holidays last week: At this important fork in the road, I stopped chasing clarity and that’s when it found me!

I had no pros & cons list in hand. No deep questions. Just a quiet mind, warm weather, and time away from my performance mode.

In one of those unplanned moments, I realized something I hadn’t seen clearly for months.

Not because I was working on it. But because I wasn’t.

Problem: Our Minds Work, Even When We’re on Pause on a Regular Day

When we're always responding to tasks, people, and pressure, there's barely space to hear what’s under the surface. The tiny responsibilities add up to countless hours and our calendars are far too noisy.

That’s why so many professionals only start asking big questions when they’re far from the noise. Yet here’s the catch: most don’t know what to do with what shows up.

Solution: Use Distance as Data

You don’t need to journal under a palm tree. You just need to notice:

✅ Which responsibilities felt lighter or heavier, in their absence?

✅ Which parts of your role or routine felt essential, and which suddenly didn’t?

✅ Which ideas about your future reappeared with clarity, when the noise quieted?

These are not distractions from your ‘me’ time. They are important clues.

A Perspective from Architecture

In his work, architect Le Corbusier explored the idea that truly human-centred design isn't just about structure, it’s also about space between the solid and the void.

He emphasized the importance of light, proportion, and the distance between objects in shaping how we experience a space.

He explains:

“Architecture is the masterly, correct, and magnificent play of masses brought together in light.”

Just like in architecture, your professional life needs intentional space, to breathe, to reflect for the freedom to move.

Without any guilt.

It’s often when we zoom out, we get a new perspective and we start to truly see what fits, what doesn’t, and what’s worth redesigning.

3 Ways to Turn Holiday Insights into Action:

🔹 #1 - Re-evaluate Your Load:

Make a two-column list. Left: tasks that drained you before and weren’t missed. Right: tasks or responsibilities you did miss. Then ask yourself: What can I delegate, automate, or drop in September?

🔹 #2 - Redefine What’s Essential

Identify one habit, meeting, or “should” you’re willing to question. Try this: For one week, remove or reduce it, and observe the impact.

🔹 #3 - Reconnect with Direction

Write down the idea or desire that keeps coming back, uninvited. Then complete this sentence: “If I gave this idea 10% more attention this month, I would…” Small steps create momentum.