As a business owner, wouldn't it be great if you could take time off whenever you needed to? Unfortunately, most small business owners worry that the business will fall apart if they're not there to mind the store. Too often, they simply lack the appropriate resources for their business to keep going in their absence.
"Taking time off is as important as food," says Charles Tuttle, leader of a group of entrepreneurs in North Carolina. Don't worry if this statement raises a red flag for you. Although taking time off can be especially challenging and downright impossible sometimes, it's important to know that you can do something to make it happen. It takes deliberate work on your part and here are a few simple ideas to get you started.
Find a way to make work fun. If your work is stressful, build in laughter to ease the stress and tension. Take frequent breaks to stretch or breathe if you're sitting all day. Fun makes the passing of the day more enjoyable. Try it and watch your fabulous day unfold!
Take leisure time in smaller chunks. Look at opportunities to journal, meditate or read between appointments and activities. It may seem pointless but it goes a long way in developing your time management skills while caring for your need to unplug. Tap into a little bit of spare time in your productivity process. It's a great way to balance the scales in your favor!
Plan personal time on your calendar. Your calendar reflects your commitment to priorities or what's important in your life. Typically, if you set aside the time on your calendar, you will observe it. Plan, then act to ensure you're creating plenty of break time and doing something important in your life. You'll have a greater sense of integrity and accomplishment at the same time.
Consider taking time off on a weekday. Who said you can only have fun on the weekends? Take time off in the middle of the week or even at the beginning! You'll be surprised at how imaginative you'll become while creating your fun time.
Identify unconventional ways to take time off. Time off may mean snuggling on the couch in your favorite bathrobe. It may also mean turning the ringer on the phone off, turning the TV and radio off or going to a park to feed the ducks. Your assignment (should you choose to accept it) is to get away from your business ? whatever that means for you. Most entrepreneurs are in business because it offers freedom and flexibility so learn to capitalize on it!
Acknowledge yourself weekly for your accomplishments. What you do is hard work so pat yourself on the back for it! Select rewards that nurture and care for you like a facial, manicure, massage or other spa treatment. Treat yourself to a movie or read a good book. The more you acknowledge your progress, the more you'll enjoy the journey!
Reward yourself for completed projects. You deserve a reward for completing the big projects in your business. Accordingly, let the reward match the milestone you reach when you complete a project. Plan a day trip, weekend getaway, or seven-day cruise. Whatever you enjoy, these are moments to treasure. Establish your reward at the beginning of the project so you'll have an incentive to motivate to move you forward.
These are a few simple ideas to help you practice taking time off from your business. Remember, whether you're just starting, squeezing a few moments out here and there or in full throttle, taking time off is good not only for you. It's great for your business, too!
Wendy Y. Bailey is a Personal and Business Coach with Brilliance In Action, a professional coaching organization that helps women entrepreneurs, business owners and business professionals blend their personal and business lives. For more information, visit www.ebrilliance.net
interior house cleaning Park Ridge ...?busy, busy, busy, busy, busy?busy, busy, bus? OK, slap me... Read More
Where does your time go? We all know we are... Read More
Years ago when I started in this business, it seemed... Read More
I have worked with so many people over the years... Read More
Isn't it amazing that some people can produce huge results... Read More
This past Friday I was asked to speak with a... Read More
Number Yourself: Count yourself as an important individual. You are... Read More
What does it mean to practice self care? It's creating... Read More
A simple kitchen gadget is transforming my life. I don't... Read More
Many of the clients I work with in success coaching... Read More
Many people want to be coached to manage their time... Read More
Most of us have a to-do list ? some of... Read More
There is no such thing as time management. You cannot... Read More
How many people do you know who are so busy... Read More
Do you feel guilty about all the publications you purchase... Read More
This is one more article on "Organizing and Enjoying Your... Read More
According to a Miller Heiman 2003 Sales Effectiveness Study, over... Read More
I give presentations on organizational skill building as it relates... Read More
Many folks tell me that they just don't have time... Read More
Why waste your precious time working on tasks, which are... Read More
We are all born equal! We all have the same... Read More
I've divided my tips into two sections - 5 ways... Read More
Q. I have several projects going at once -- but... Read More
Would you describe yourself as extremely busy? Do you often... Read More
How often have you tried to manage your time in... Read More
last minute cleaning help Lincolnshire ...When is the best time to plan your day? Well,... Read More
"Because there will always be something more to do, we... Read More
"Can you find four extra hours in your day?" a... Read More
Many people want to be coached to manage their time... Read More
Does it seem like there is never enough time in... Read More
There are two ways to start your day. The first... Read More
Recently I was working with a new client who had... Read More
How do you eat two elephants? The same way you... Read More
One of the most challenging situations people face when planning... Read More
If you are like most moms I know you think... Read More
"TIME CANNOT BE 'MANAGED.' THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF TIME MANAGEMENT... Read More
What are the most important things you should accomplish today?... Read More
Whenever I've worked on 'de-cluttering' my living or working space,... Read More
Sounds too good to be true?It really isn't!In fact, studies... Read More
How many times have you remarked to someone that there... Read More
Friends, colleagues, and clients are all telling me that one... Read More
It's easy to waste time on things that seem urgent... Read More
How many of us are guilty of "Putting the cart... Read More
Of all the Attraction Principles, the most popular class I... Read More
Time is inelastic. Despite what some of us persist in... Read More
Whenever you have projects that can't be done in one... Read More
If you're like most people, you want to get better... Read More
TIME MANAGEMENTWith the creation of the universe, God gave humankind... Read More
In this digital age, the importance of being able to... Read More
Once you have completed your day you can boost your... Read More
Time Management |