by Do you schedule regular time out from your business?
Here’s why it’s important…
Why you need to take time out from your business
Hi, this is Cornelia Luethi, and thank for joining me on my mid-winter break on Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island is an hour by car ferry from Auckland, New Zealand. It’s home to about 8,000 residents, and has dozens of good restaurants and wineries.
It gets pretty busy on the island over summer, but it’s a nice place to visit in winter, too.
I rent a cottage on the beach for a few nights, with my man and my dog, most winters.
In fact, we take short breaks throughout the year. These mini-vacations don’t have to be extravagant or expensive – the aim is for me to get out of the house, seeing as I work from home. It’s about having a change of scenery, and relaxing.
My business is actually better off for me taking these breaks… here’s why…
1. Breaks revitalise you
Firstly, the breaks help me recharge my batteries. Like most small business owners, I work long hours, and over time that takes its toll. Constantly working long hours is tiring for both the brain and the body, and that’s when we get prone to getting sick or burnt out.
Getting sick or burnt out doesn’t help me or my customers, so it’s best all round if I look after myself.
2. The distance gives you a new perspective
The second reason why it’s good to get away from your business is that it gives you distance.
Huh?
That might sound obvious… after all, if you’re away from your business, of course there’s distance! But I’m not just talking about geographical distance. By getting away from the daily demands of work, you get a new perspective on things.
I find that when I’m on holiday, the creative side of my brain kicks in. I get all inspired about my business, and my long-term goals become clearer to me.
Ideas, ideas, and more ideas!
In fact, I get so many ideas, that I always take a notebook to jot my ideas down. These ideas then get incorporated into my one-page marketing plan.
And believe me, writing a marketing plan is so much easier when your ideas are flowing freely, rather than trying to get inspiration sat at your desk, where your phone’s ringing, and your In Box is overflowing!
So if you think that you can’t afford to take time out from your business, my question to you is:
… Can you afford NOT to take time out?
Isn’t it better you take care of yourself, than to get sick and burnt out?
Breaks are also a really good way of re-connecting with our loved ones.
Believe me, your favourite people are going to love that you’re spending more quality time with them!
Anyway, speaking of loved ones, I’m off to spend more time with mine… till next time!
