As entrepreneurs it's easy to be in a constant state of go-go-go. We are always building, growing, networking, learning, consulting, creating, working...and unless someone taps you on the shoulder to tell you to slow down, you might run yourself right into the ground.
Building a successful business requires you to be fast paced, motivated and energy filled. You must be at the top of your game at all times but when should you slow down to move forward?
After two years of grinding it out online, I looked up one day and found myself drained, unmotivated and stressed out. My business was stagnant, even though I was working harder than ever, my family felt neglected even though the very reason I was working so hard was to give them the lifestyle they deserve, and I found myself sacrificing the joys of life even though I was making money.
Then one day I just dropped it all. The client calls, the blog posts, the emails, the facebook updates. All stopped. No people, no noise, no technology, no distractions, no social media marketing to-do-list. Just me and my thoughts. For 3 days I didn't check an email, write a blog post, or talk to a client.
It was one of the hardest things I've done.
Being idle can be scary. It causes us to occupy our time and use our thoughts in a new way. Being idle is not just about slowing down, but tuning in, paying attention more to ourselves than our daily business tasks. All the chatter and activity is gone and we are left alone to simply rest.
The Power of Rest
You get to slow down: See and appreciate the world around you. Think about your life without constantly reacting to the thousands of demands your business throws at you each day.
You do things you'd never do: When you pull away from your business, your priority changes. Life gets simpler. You can observe, explore, and engage more than you ever would when in the depths of running your business. Intentional time to do other things - no matter what what they are- can be valuable for us all.
You learn to appreciate self: Spending time focusing on you and not your business allows you to get to know yourself just a little bit better. You get to be yourself, not worry about the demand and opinions of others, and you can find comfort in appreciating your own company and what it takes to be happy throughout the day.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Rest Days
1. Schedule it. Pick at least one day or ideally a full weekend or few days to rest each month. This means setting an appointment with yourself and your family where you turn off the computer, put down the phone and unplug the business mind.
2. Get our of Town. Rest is best experienced when you put yourself in a new environment. As entrepreneurs and business owners, many of us work from home or carry elements of our business into our homes at the end of the day. It helps to break the pattern of everyday life and to-dos by getting out of dodge completely and inserting yourself into new surroundings.
3. Find Your Happy Place. Your happy place is anywhere you can go and instantly feel refreshed, revamped and re-energized. This could be the beach, your childhood home, a friends summer home or a tent in your backyard. It's a place without distractions, where you can meditate, be quiet and focus inward on self. Your happy place is one where you have no choice but to slow down and take some time for yourself.
4. Reconnect With Nature: Tap in to the calming elements of nature. There is something refreshing about the trickle of water or the feel of green grass under your feet. Connecting with nature immediately calms your nerves and the desire to get a million things done all at once. Surrounding yourself with fresh air, sunlight, the bright colors and sounds of the outdoors is some of the best stress killing therapy you can find.
5. Ask Yourself Big Questions: Once you get away from the outside noise, you can finally ask yourself the questions that really matter. What am I passionate about? What have I accomplished and am I on track to achieving my goals? What is my purpose? How is my current work impacting others? The point of this is to dig deep and take the time to learn more about who you are as a person.
Taking Back The Time You Deserve
Life is just too complicated, too fast and too demanding to not reserve some time to ourselves and our families every once in a while. It's not just about resting and taking time away from your business, it's about getting unplugged, eliminating stress and balancing your priorities in life. For those of you who claim you don't have time because you always "have business to take care of", you are the ones who need it most.
Trust me, I was there with you.
When you hit walls in your business this might be because you are burnt out with all the effort and hours you are putting in. The only reason your business can fail is if you can't sustain it. Make sure you switch off every once in a while, go to the spa, take a trip or a vacation –push the reset button then come back and kill it!
Marketing campaigns, reports, client projects and emails will always be there waiting for you. Success in your life is just as important if not more than success in your business. Get used to taking time to rest, to reevaluate and re-energize. Make it a priority in your life. Your body, your mind and your business will thank you for it.
No comments:
Post a Comment