Why Taking Time Off Is A Smart Business Strategy (and how to get started)

Taking time off is often overlooked by entrepreneurs who are constantly busy and focused on their work. However, it is actually a smart business strategy that can benefit both the leader and the team. In this article, we will explore three reasons why taking time off is important and provide three ways to get started.

1. A Tired Leader is Not a Helpful Leader

When you are constantly working and pushing yourself to meet deadlines, you may find yourself becoming tired and irritable. This can lead to making rushed decisions without taking the time to consider all the factors – especially the ENERGY of a decision or action.?

Decision fatigue and loss of discernment can also occur when you are constantly working without taking breaks.

I remember a time in which I was rushing and a bit depleted. I saw an email that went out to our list and I thought it was a mistake. I immediately took action to have the team correct their mistake, only to realize that I had read it wrong.?

This has happened more than once! (Luckily I don’t mind cleaning it up when I’m the one who has made a mistake).?

I’ve also been in such a place of ‘getting things done,’ in which I’ve not tended to the energy of the things I was doing. If you have an email subscriber list, you will notice if you really pay attention, if a message is rushed out the door with love, energy, and intention it deserves, the open rate will suffer.?

In my prior work I had a marketing funnel set up with ads running to it that worked beautifully when I was making space in my life and enjoying my work. As soon as I would have any feeling of not wanting to deliver on the sales I was making (it was a live retreat offer), the funnel performance would suffer. Energy matters.

2. See What Your Team Can Actually Do

By taking time off, you give your team the opportunity to step up and take ownership of their responsibilities. When you are constantly present and involved in every aspect of the business, it can be difficult for your team to fully showcase their capabilities.?

However, when you step away and allow them to figure things out on their own, you may be pleasantly surprised by what they are capable of.

One blessing I had during the pandemic was being out with COVID for two full weeks. I had the brain fog that prevented me from doing my normal checking in and ensuring things were moving forward. In my first reconnection with the team I noticed that no one had been thinking about what wasn’t getting done with me being out.?

I simply pointed this out to the team, and suddenly they reoriented to pick up my pieces for me. And from that point we never looked back and I knew that most work could happen without me.

By giving your team the space to shine, you may uncover hidden talents and strengths that you were not aware of.

3. Create Space for Your Magic

I believe that the most aligned solutions to any business problem can be accessed through what I call your Sourced Magic. This is your inner guidance or intuition that comes to you in a unique way. (Take the quiz to discover yours!) However, in order to tap into this magic, you need to create space for it. It usually communicates in the spaces between the doing, especially in the beginning.

When you are constantly working and consumed by tasks, it can be difficult to hear your inner guidance.?

Taking time off allows you to tune in and listen to what you know deep down. By creating space for your magic, you can gain clarity and insight into the direction you want to go in. This can lead to increased creativity and a sense of alignment with your true purpose.

4. Getting Started with Taking Time Off

We understand that it can be challenging to start taking time off, especially if you are addicted to work or fear that things will fall apart without you. Here are suggestions of small steps to ease into the process.

• - Five Minute Magic: Take five minutes each day to connect with your Sourced Magic. This can be done through meditation, breathwork, dancing, journaling, or any activity that allows you to tap into your inner knowing. By dedicating just five minutes to this practice, you can shift your state and remind yourself of the magic that exists within you. (The practice for each type of Magic is different so be sure to discover yours!)?
• Interact with Life: Instead of constantly sitting at your laptop and working, go out and interact with the world around you. Spend time in nature, people watch, even watch Netflix with intention, or engage with social media from a place of curiosity and resonance with your magic. By immersing yourself in life, you can gather valuable information and inspiration that can guide you in your business.
• Follow the Energy: Make a conscious effort to follow the energy in your life and work. Pay attention to what feels alive and vibrant to you, and make decisions based on that energy. Shift away from default energy, which is based on old beliefs and limitations and may have you feel like your worth is based on what you do. Instead tap into Sourced Energy, which is clear, vibrant, and aligned with your true self. By following the energy, you can make choices that are in alignment with your soul's desires and find fulfillment in your work.

Taking time off is not only a smart business strategy, but it is also essential for the well-being of both the leader and the team. By giving yourself permission to rest and recharge, you can become a more effective and helpful leader. Additionally, taking time off allows your team to step up and showcase their capabilities, leading to a more empowered and productive work environment. Finally, creating space for your magic can bring forth aligned solutions and creativity that can propel your business forward.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a cycle of constant work, consider the benefits of taking time off. Start with small steps, such as dedicating five minutes each day to connect with your sourced magic, interacting with life, and following the energy.?

Remember, taking time off is not a luxury, but a necessity for your business and personal growth.

What are you waiting for? Give yourself permission to take time off and watch as your business thrives in new and unexpected ways.