The Power of Disconnecting: My Transformative Week at the Hoffman Institute

In a world where we are constantly connected, bombarded with notifications, and tethered to responsibilities, taking a full week away from technology and daily distractions feels nearly impossible. But that’s exactly what I did at the Hoffman Institute during the first week of January, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

While I can’t go into specifics, I can say this: stepping away from my phone, email, and the endless noise of daily life allowed me to focus on something we rarely make time for—myself.

The Gift of Unplugging

For seven days, I had no access to my phone, no social media, and no outside world distractions. At first, this felt unsettling. But as the days passed, I realized how much clarity comes from simply being present. Without the constant pull of technology, I was able to engage fully with my thoughts, emotions, and the work in front of me.

Surrounded by Extraordinary Peers—Without Knowing It

One of the most unique aspects of the experience was that for the entire week, we only knew each other by our first names. We were not allowed to talk about our careers or backgrounds. Titles, achievements, and résumés were left at the door. In that environment, we connected on a purely human level—through shared struggles, breakthroughs, and personal growth.

It wasn’t until the final day that we learned who we had spent the week alongside. Among my peers were a recent Grammy-winning artist, a music industry legend, an Oscar-nominated actor, an Apple executive, an elite model, several high-profile tech founders, and multiple CEOs. But just as impactful were the retired grandparents, a college professor, the attorneys, a retired football coach, a doctor, a former First Lady (State), a Starbucks manager, a Whole Foods clerk, a fish biologist, and countless business professionals and entrepreneurs.

The beauty of the experience was that none of it mattered. Success, status, and accolades had no place in the room. We were simply people, each carrying our own challenges, looking inward, and doing the work to become better versions of ourselves.

Doing the Deep Work

This wasn’t a vacation. It was an intensive, intentional process of self-exploration. I confronted patterns, reflected deeply, and came face-to-face with things I had long pushed aside. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. And through it, I gained insights that I know will shape my relationships, my leadership, and my future.

Why Everyone Should Take Time for Themselves

Most of us live in a reactive state, moving from one obligation to the next without pausing to ask, What do I need? Where am I going? Who do I want to be? Taking a week—fully unplugged—to focus on personal growth is one of the most valuable things I’ve ever done.

I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of myself, and a commitment to being more present in my life. If you’ve ever considered stepping away from the noise to do meaningful self-work, I can say this with certainty: it’s absolutely worth it.

A Commitment to Growth Moving Forward

The true power of this experience wasn’t just in what I discovered during that week—it’s in how I choose to carry those lessons forward. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in the way we show up for ourselves, our families, our colleagues, and our communities every day.

Since returning, I’ve been more intentional about how I spend my time, how I listen, and how I lead. I’ve realized that real connection isn’t built through status or achievements—it’s built through authenticity, vulnerability, and presence.

If there’s one takeaway I hope to share, it’s this: prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Stepping away from the constant noise of life isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for true clarity and purpose.

So, I challenge you—when was the last time you truly disconnected? Not just for a few hours, but long enough to hear your own thoughts, to reflect, and to reset. Because sometimes, the most profound breakthroughs happen when we finally stop running and start listening—to ourselves.

Best,

Steve Ziegler
Founder & Managing Partner
Z3Talent