How Shapes Vacation!

Just like each Shape has a communication preference, each Shape has a preference for how to vacation. Typically, your preference for where to go, how to get there, and what to do comes from your primary Shape, or perhaps from a blend of your primary Shape and secondary Shape.

But what about the other Shapes?

Allow me to suggest that the "perfect" vacation requires the use of all five Shapes, but not necessarily in equal portions. Just like a dash of salt can make all the difference, a "dash" of Squiggle, or a dash of Box, could be a game-changer for your next vacation.

But first, think about your last vacation. What went well? What could have been better? Make a list of what you enjoyed most and the Shape it represented (or the Shape you got to be when you were happiest). Then make a list of what went wrong, or could have been better. What Shape did you have to be (or what Shape was missing) that made for a less than enjoyable experience?

For example, let's say you are a Triangle vacationing with a Box, which includes a day at Disney World. You may experience some tension when your Triangle wants to purchase the "lightning" pass, but the Box insists on standing in line, because "it's just not worth it to spend the extra money."

In addition, the Box may also insist on being there when the park opens and staying until it closes. After all, a day at Disney isn't cheap, and the Box wants to make sure they get their money's worth!

Unless you are vacationing alone, there will always be some "give and take," aka "Shape Flexing," when it comes to planning a vacation with your partner, family, or friends.

To raise the probability that it's a good vacation for everyone, get into a Rectangle mode of open-mindedness, ask, listen, and consider what each Shape may value, then plan accordingly.

Here's a starter list to stimulate your thinking in terms of what each Shape may value:

BOX - a plan

TRIANGLE - options

CIRCLE - unity

SQUIGGLE - flexibility

RECTANGLE - change

Simply understanding what each person values can go a long way in planning the best vacation for everyone.

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