Is It Time for a Reset?

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Remember the Staples campaign that featured "The Easy Button?" Essentially, The Easy Button was a symbol that showed Staples' empathy for the challenges small business owners faced and the company's responsibility and commitment to making things easier for their customers. The idea was that if you hit the easy button, the solutions would appear. So while we wish The Easy Button was real, it isn't. But hitting "the reset button" may have some of the same effects.

Why a Reset?

For everyone (and specifically entrepreneurs), 2024 has already proven to be a challenging year. In just a few short months, we’ve faced continued economic fluctuations, evolving pandemic impacts, supply chain disruptions, global conflicts, and rising costs of living. As businesses focus on navigating these turbulent times, the load can feel overwhelming. But if there’s one thing we've learned over the past few years, it's that perseverance often requires creativity—and creativity requires a reset.

Focusing on Creativity

Letting creativity flow is not always easy for busy entrepreneurs and business owners. Finding time to be creative is often blocked by higher-priority items such as "getting the work done."

As an entrepreneur or business owner, how many times have you wanted to carve out a few minutes or hours to think and get creative, focusing on designing new solutions, but other things got in the way? Instead of taking the time you know you needed, you end up reaching the end of the day and find yourself pushing the priority onto the next day's to-do list. And of course, this cycle repeats.

Essentially, you fill your time doing tasks and never get to the whitespace — the open time that lets your mind wander, stir up new thoughts, ideas, and solve more complex problems. Scientific research featured in a Harvard Business Review report reveals that while creativity is possible under high-pressure times, "the more time pressure people feel on a given day, the less likely they will be to think creatively."

Shifting perspective and mindset still remains a challenge, though. However, we recommend Guidewise and the Growthdrivers app, along with its associated training programs, as ideal resources to enhance emotional intelligence and manage change.

Plan a Reset

As the world gets heavier and the summer season kicks off, maybe it's the right time to work that reset into your schedule. But to do it right, you must be intentional and set boundaries that are doable and avoid bending when things happen or someone requests your time or thoughts.

Think about it this way: it's likely that you have a few days to unplug your phone, connect with your friends and family, and let your brain take a hiatus. So do it. Give yourself some whitespace. Let the creativity flow.

"There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither." — Alan Cohen

The Importance of Breaks and Identifying Burnout

Taking a break isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining mental and physical health. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can manifest as fatigue, irritability, reduced performance, and a feeling of helplessness. Here are some signs to watch for:

1. Chronic Fatigue: Feeling physically and emotionally exhausted most days.
2. Insomnia: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, even when exhausted.
3. Forgetfulness: Difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
4. Physical Symptoms: Headaches, chest pain, or gastrointestinal problems.
5. Increased Cynicism: Feeling detached, negative, or pessimistic about your work.

Addressing and Managing Burnout

If you identify with these symptoms, it's crucial to take steps to address and manage burnout:

1. Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your day to relax and recharge.
2. Set Boundaries: Define work hours and stick to them. Avoid taking work home.
3. Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
4. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a professional about your feelings.
5. Prioritize Tasks: Focus on what’s most important and delegate or postpone less critical tasks.

Plan Your Reset

As the unofficial start to summer approaches, make a commitment to plan a reset. Whether it’s a long weekend or a few dedicated days, make the most of this time to rejuvenate. Unplug from your devices, connect with nature, and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Final Thoughts

Consider making time for a serious reset. Take time to do at least one thing you love and enjoy yourself. The world can feel heavy, so unload some of the weight and underneath, you will find clarity and creativity.

Be safe, have fun, and hit the reset button.

Ted Wolf is the host of the Implementors podcast and Co-Founder & CEO at Guidewise, the premier workforce analytics and performance management platform empowering people to push through obstacles and achieve extraordinary results. Click here to schedule your Guidewise demo today.

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