Take a Break – Finding Freedom Series, Strategies #27-28
Don’t Work All the Time – Take a Break
Take a break – you will feel better and be more productive! Your mind and body need periodic “breathers” in order to work at the highest level of efficiency. If you want to be successful, you must learn to stop, relax, and enjoy the moment several times a day. Continual pushing is not a strategy that pays off.
Strategy #27
Commit to a Hobby: Hmmm…what does this have to do with business? A lot!
Starting and developing your own business can become addicting. It can quickly fill up your time to the exclusion of all else. A big mistake! There is absolutely NO reason to spend all your time on your business – nor should you! When you work 12-14 hour days, it is impossible for you to be productive for that many hours day after day. Shorter hours result in greater productivity (see Strategy #2).
It is critical to find something completely different to do – like a hobby – cooking, swimming, sports, dancing, a group of some kind that will have other people relying on you. It may be easier to maintain a commitment if others expect you to be there.
Short breaks during working hours are also important. Take a few minutes to go outside, sit on the porch, and put up your feet. Just breathe, relax and don’t think about work. You will reap great rewards from this simple practice.
Strategy #28
Commit Time to Friends and Family: Along the same lines as #27…and probably more important is making a commitment to spend more time with friends and family. Organize outings, hold regular game nights, or movie nights, take them out for dinner, plan day trips…whatever suits you…but make the commitment and follow through.
It is highly probable that you started your own business because you wanted the freedom of being your own boss. Now, you have the chance to have that freedom, so embrace it! Set your schedule and stick to it – be sure to schedule time to take a break everyday. When you day is done, turn off your computer and spend quality time with friends and family. You will be surprised at how easy it becomes and how it enriches your life…and your business.
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