---
title: Entering “Airplane Mode” And “Building Boundaries”
description: An executive coach's trip to Alaska shows why entering 'airplane mode' and building boundaries helps leaders think more strategically.
image: https://coaching.velocityadvisorygroup.com/hubfs/blog-featured-images/Airplane-Mode.jpg
---

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Insights & NewsInsights September 7, 2022

# Entering “Airplane Mode” And “Building Boundaries”

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to travel to Alaska with my family.  My overachieving wife is running a marathon in all 50 states, so we took advantage of scheduling a trip around the race.  This was my first time in Alaska, so I had no idea what to expect and the impact going on “airplane mode” would have on me (and also Velocity).

Many of my coaching clients often share with me the desire to “think more strategically.”   Given the neck-breaking pace that everyone is running today, it becomes increasingly more challenging to “work on the business,” as opposed to “in the business.”  Generally, when we talk about this topic, I remind them of the Velocity B2 Model.  This is a model that helps leaders reduce stress and overwhelm.  It also doubles as a model to help them think more strategically.  B2 has two components:  Be Present and Build Boundaries. 

### How does entering “Airplane Mode” this fit into my trip to Alaska?

Well, we spent 4 days completely off-grid (I mean COMPLETELY) on a camping and kayak adventure in the Aialik Bay.  It took going off-grid for several days to fully understand how it is next to impossible to think innovatively and strategically when you’re in business-as-usual mode.  Being present is much easier to do when you eliminate all distractions.   This time away allowed me to finalize some pieces of a new initiative that we’ll be launching very soon (stay tuned)!  It also allowed me to think through some important decisions that I’ve been putting off for months. 

The great news is you don’t have to travel to Alaska to accomplish this level of clarity.  For one, you can take a day per month to work in a remote location near your home.  Changing up the environment will help your mind switch gears.  My suggestion is that you put your phone in “airplane mode” and stay heads down for the entire day.  I’m positive that your productivity will be off the charts!  ***Please ping me if you do this, and let me know how it went.  I’m also happy to help anyone think through an agenda for the day, so you’re time is optimized!*** 

On a side note, I’ve received a lot of questions about the trip. 

Most common:  Did you see bears?  “Yes.” 

Most unusual:  How did you go to the bathroom?  “You’ll have to email me directly to find out!”

---

#### ***Email me!***

[*dave@velocityadvisorygroup.com*](mailto:dave@velocityadvisorygroup.com)

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---

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