Last week, the Greater Cincinnati area was hit with a beautiful but highly disruptive winter storm. While we had about 8 inches of snow, it was the inch or more of freezing rain and ice and frigid temperatures that made driving treacherous and brought down tree limbs and power lines. As a result, all the area schools were shut down for 4 full days. Such school closures are rare in Southwest Ohio. To say the least, my kids were thrilled and enjoyed every minute of the reprieve from their ordinary work day...school.
In particular, my 10-year old son and his good buddy, Nick, made the most of their spur-of-the-moment winter vacation. They went sled riding each and every day and even had the luxury of time to make an awkwardly looking snow man. That spontaneous mini-vacation gave little Murph a nice break from his school routine and the chance to play, do something different, seek adventure, and spend time with his buddy. That unexpected break right in the middle of our dark and dreary winter did wonders for his mind, body and soul. He was a joyful kid with no school obligations, tasks, or worries. He was free to explore and have fun.
As a business coach, that got me thinking. Couldn't such a break benefit a business owner? Don't we need to have an occasional break so we can be free from the daily obligations, routines, challenges, headaches, worries, and tasks? Absolutely! Couldn't YOU benefit from time away from your business to do something fun or relaxing to recharge your body, mind and soul? Sure you can.
In fact, as business coaches, we insist our business coaching clients take time to get away from their businesses. Throughout North America, our business coaching process helps thousands of owners develop the essential habit and mechanics of "building fun" into their busy and stressful entrepreneurial lives. In their Growth Coach Strategic Planners, we have our clients schedule and plan out several fun activities each and every quarter and then hold them accountable for making the fun happen. In addition to driving their success, we also help balance and enrich their lives. They and their families thank us for helping them to recharge their batteries. You see, owners need to take these critical "time outs" from their businesses so they can be at their best for their businesses and families.
A break (one day or several days) is not only healthy for you, but also for your family, employees, customers and your company. Every entrepreneur deserves to recharge their body, mind and soul on a year-round basis... particularly in the winter if you live somewhere cold, cloudy and dreary (ingredients for the winter blues). Time away will help you relax your mind, refresh your spirit, and give you a new perspective and new ideas. You will come back to your business better than when you left. Also, time away from your business forces your employees to step up and make decisions in your absence...that's a good thing. It also forces your company and employees to put operating systems in place so the company is not totally dependent on you, the owner, for making every decision, handling every transaction, and solving every problem. That's an exhausting way to live.
If fun breaks are such a good and healthy idea, why don't most business owners take them? Since they feel overworked, overwhelmed and like prisoners to their business, they mistakenly believe they can't afford the time to take a break. They think they are too busy, too involved and too essential to the business. These are merely excuses for and symptoms of the real problem...they are trapped working way too much "in" the business. They need to schedule time away and escape the "busyness treadmill" before they wear down or burn out. Also, without a business coach, most owners do not see the big picture and the necessity and benefits of taking strategic time outs in the first place.
As your virtual business coach, do me and yourself a favor. Think about one activity you will commit to do in the next 90 days that will recharge your battery (mental health and energy level). Something different and exciting that will rekindle your kid-like wonder and joy. It could be one of your favorite hobbies or sports you have denied yourself. It could be spending time with one of your best friends. More time working out or reading. Going on a great vacation somewhere fun and special...the mountains to ski, a beach to chill out, a spa to get pampered, or an adventure to get your blood pumping. Maybe you simply need to spend more time with family. Whatever or wherever it is, schedule one fun activity you will engage in within the next 90 days. Share this with your business coach or an accountability partner so they will make sure you take a much deserved break.
School is open once again today. Good news for the parents, sad news for Nick and little Murph. Back to reality for the boys of winter.
Daniel M. Murphy
President, Founder & Business Coach
The Growth Coach
Business Coaching Franchise System