Why a “Hotel Day” Is the Secret Weapon of High Performers

Let me share with you one of my best-kept secrets—something I’ve done consistently over the past 36 or 37 years that has had a profound impact on my productivity, work-life balance, client engagement, and overall business success. I call it a Hotel Day.

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

Once a month, I take myself off to a quiet hotel and spend the entire day—six or seven hours—having a meeting with myself. No team. No emails. No text messages. No distractions. Just me, a notebook, and total focus.

What Is a Hotel Day?

A Hotel Day is a personal planning session—a strategic pause to review, reflect, and reset. It’s a day when I look at every area of my life and business. I ask myself:

• What goals have I achieved this month?

• Where am I in relation to the goals I set?

• What challenges am I facing—and how can I address them?

• What must I adjust to move forward more effectively?

It’s also the time I use to plan for the future, align my priorities, and re-energize myself for the weeks ahead. It’s helped me manage a demanding schedule that includes international speaking, mentoring, running businesses, and even writing books—including the one I’m about to publish.

Why You Need a Meeting With Yourself

We talk all the time about how to run better meetings with clients and prospects. But when was the last time you held a meeting with the most important person in your business—you?

A Hotel Day gives you the space to be intentional. It allows you to zoom out, gain clarity, and course-correct before minor issues become major setbacks. It’s a simple yet incredibly powerful habit that can transform your trajectory, both professionally and personally.

How to Start Your Own Hotel Day

Here’s how to make it work:

1. Pick a date once a month and stick to it.

2. Choose a quiet location away from your office or home.

3. Bring a notebook or digital planner—whatever works best for you.

4. Turn off all notifications and let your team know you're unavailable.

5. Reflect, plan, and reset—with no interruptions.

Final Thought

If you’re serious about building a successful business and maintaining a balanced, purposeful life, then give yourself the gift of a Hotel Day. I promise—it will be the most productive meeting you’ll ever have.