You Have to Go Away to Come Back

There’s a line from a TV show that stuck with me: an older producer tells a younger comedian, “You have to go away to come back.”

It was delivered as career advice, but it landed with me in a deeper way. I started thinking about all the times I’ve left something—a home, a job, a familiar setting—and realized how much I appreciated it only after returning.

But here’s the thing: you don’t always have to physically go away to come back.

Sometimes all it takes is a mindset shift. Seeing something familiar with fresh eyes. Looking at your work, your relationships, your routine—and noticing what you might be taking for granted.

We can choose to pause, reset our perspective, and feel a renewed sense of appreciation for what’s already here.

This simple shift in perspective can be powerful—not just personally, but professionally.

Leaders can use this principle in powerful ways:

• Pause before pivoting: When a project feels stale, take a step back instead of scrapping it. Revisit the original purpose and see it from a new angle before deciding what’s next.
• Invite reflection moments: Ask team members, “What’s something we’ve been doing well that we haven’t fully appreciated?” This boosts morale and sharpens focus.
• Practice gratitude in place: Instead of chasing the next big initiative, notice what’s already working in your culture, team dynamics, or processes—and build on that.