In this solo episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen shares her personal process for taking solo work retreats, explaining how these intentional getaways help her tap into deeper focus and creativity. Though often associated with artists or writers, Carrie emphasizes that retreats can benefit anyone needing to dive into a big project, catch up on work or simply break out of their everyday routine. She discusses the initial discomfort of setting time and money aside for such trips and addresses the social pressure that can make it feel indulgent. But through years of experience, she’s found that stepping away from her daily environment allows for increased productivity, better ideas and lasting creative momentum.
Carrie offers practical tips for planning your own retreat, focusing on thoughtful packing and workspace setup. She talks about creating a list of essentials (like earplugs and a journal), bringing snacks to avoid unnecessary breaks, and even packing a mini desk to ensure a proper workspace. She shares how using Post-it notes on a blank wall helps her visually track her progress and maintain motivation. Ultimately, Carrie encourages listeners to try their own retreat — even a short one — because the benefits often extend well beyond the retreat itself, supporting focus and idea generation for weeks or months to come.
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