Taking a break without it negatively impacting your finances

When you love what you do (or even when you don’t) it can be easy to be head down, bum up all year - but I know in order to bring my best self to my work, I need to rest and recharge my batteries.

That’s why many years ago, I decided to be proactive in booking my holidays. Every three months, I schedule one week off and cross it out in my diary from the very beginning of the year. This way, it makes absolutely no impact on my clients or my business because it’s done in advance.

I also set aside at least 5%, but preferably 7%, of my weekly income into a holiday fund. This is just the same as if I were employed and earning a salary with my boss putting aside money every week for my holiday pay.

After I enjoy my week off, I plan the activity for the next holiday on my way home. This is a terrific way for me to always have something to look forward to, and it gives me the life balance I need.

It is so important for your health and your success to have regular holidays. When you get tired you’re unable to function at the same level as when you’re feeling refreshed. When you take a regular break and refresh yourself, you get a new perspective. When you come back to work you are more productive.

The key is to schedule it!

Another great thing to do is to let your clients know you’ll be going away. Use this as an opportunity to pre-schedule them. The scarcity mindset of you being away and unable to service them means they will pre-book their appointments, not wanting to miss out.

There is no excuse for failing to take a holiday. No one is going to offer you holidays unless you set it up for yourself. If you have decided to be a success in small business, you need to create the right environment for you to have a holiday.