As business owners, especially moms running businesses, two big challenges are not taking time off and not being truly off when we do. Let’s explore how to genuinely disconnect and recharge.
Creating your own business often stems from a desire for freedom and flexibility. However, we can easily recreate the traditional nine-to-five grind because it's familiar. Taking time off feels impossible because we're at the helm. But, remember why you started: to have control, flexibility, and to create an impact.
Planning for Time Off
Planning ahead for your time off is crucial. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Set Clear Dates: At the end of the year, plan your time off for the entire year. Use your kids’ school schedule and your personal priorities to block out dates. This clarity helps your team plan around your availability.
Communicate with Your Team: Make sure your team knows your planned time off. Adjust recurring tasks and responsibilities accordingly.
Reverse Engineering: Start with the end goal in mind. Determine what you want to achieve during your time off and plan backward from there to ensure everything is in place.
Achieving true disconnection involves a few key steps:
Remove Temptations: Delete work-related apps like Slack and email from your phone. Don’t bring your laptop on vacation.
Busy Your Mind with Something Else: Engage in activities that keep you mentally occupied but are not work-related. Whether it’s exploring new places or enjoying a hobby, find what helps you relax.
Embrace Discomfort: Accept that feeling anxious or guilty is normal when you first start taking time off. It's a sign of breaking old patterns.
Understanding that much of the struggle is mental helps you prepare better.
A client of mine recently took maternity leave and found it more peaceful and rewarding than she anticipated. Her business even thrived in her absence, proving that stepping away can be beneficial.
Delegate and Empower
Stepping out allows your team to grow. It might highlight areas for improvement or show that your business can function well without your constant presence. Either way, it's a win-win.
Implementing these steps might feel challenging, but remember, you have the control to create the lifestyle and freedom you envisioned when you started your business. It’s all about making conscious choices and trusting your team.
Taking time off and being truly off is essential for your well-being and the success of your business. Plan ahead, communicate with your team, remove work temptations, and embrace the discomfort of change. By doing so, you can achieve the freedom and flexibility that drove you to start your business in the first place.
If you are craving more freedom and flexibility as you continue to run your business, make sure you are on the waitlist for The Mom Founders Inner Circle.
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