The Christmas holiday is right around the corner, and with it brings an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. For most people, vacations and holiday breaks are times of anticipation and joy, but for the small business owner, holidays can be a time of anxiety. There is a common perception that business owners shouldn’t take breaks because the harder you work, the more successful your business will be. While this can be true, it doesn’t take away from the fact that we are all human, and humans get tired and need breaks too. So, if you’re tempted to skip out of the holiday break and make a beeline to your office (or email), you may want to reconsider-here’s why. Invest in yourself. By taking time to relax and rejuvenate, you’re doing more for your business than you might think. It doesn’t take an expensive vacation to checkout of work and into relaxation. Consider taking three or four days for a “staycation” and do the things or hobbies that you never have time for, like reading a book or going on a bike ride. When we take a break from our work, we can re-enter with energy and a fresh perspective. We owe it to our work and to our employees to show up as our best selves each day. When our employees see us taking time to care for ourselves and our families, we are setting an example for a healthy work-life balance. This practice keeps our businesses and the people who help run them healthy and happy all year long. Evaluate your business. Taking time off not only gives you time to relax, but it gives you time to see if your business can run without you. One of the ingredients to establishing a successful business is hiring people you trust, and people who can teach you the things you don’t already know. Being away from your employees can be difficult for everyone, but the opportunity for reflection is invaluable. Once you return, take the time to evaluate what needs to be done to make the business run better especially in your absence. Know your priorities. Business owners have a million things on their to-do list. When it comes time for a vacation or break, it always seems to happen at the worst time. Maybe you have a project deadline, or something came up with your biggest client. No matter the reason, it can be hard to leave. However, stepping away from our work can also give us clarity on what’s a priority and what isn’t—at work and at home. We don’t want to always be checked-in to work during vacation time, but when an idea or inspiration strikes, try writing it down and save it for when you get back to work. At Quadrivium, we’re looking forward to celebrating the Christmas holiday with friends and family. We’re always looking for ways to reenergize and rejuvenate. What works for you?
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