Many entrepreneurs and business owners find it very difficult to be on holiday. Not only is it difficult to get away from the office, but when you finally do get away it is difficult to switch off and enjoy the rest. Some business owners start getting itchy and restless after a short time away, and they feel guilty for not being busy and stressed out. This in itself is stressful, and so it is very likely that they will return from “holiday” even more stressed out than when they left.
If you fall into this category then you may enjoy the following ideas on how to be on holiday, relax and still work on your business.
Instead of climbing into the latest crime novel by your favourite author, chose something different to read during the holidays. Spend your time relaxing with a good read on something that inspires you. This could be an autobiography from somebody you admire, or perhaps a discussion of a topic that you find interesting. By allowing yourself the time to get immersed in something that stimulates you, you not only relax and learn something new, but it may in fact create ideas for something you can change or implement in your life. You will walk away from this experience feeling refreshed and renewed.
While you are away from the business, make a plan to meet new people. If you are invited to visit friends and are introduced to somebody you haven’t met before, make a point of learning something from this person. Get their contact details and make sure they have yours. You are not looking for new clients! You are simply looking to meet new people with a view to exchange ideas. If you are away from home, make a point of chatting to people you meet. You could even ask their opinion about the things you have learned in the book you are reading (see above).
Make a plan to do something new that you have always thought about, but never gotten around to. Go to the theatre, go horse riding, rent a jet ski, just do something you have never done before. By taking yourself out of your comfort zone you will feel new emotions and make different connections in your brain. This is good for unwinding, but also has the potential to inspire and create new ideas. And you may very well meet new people in the process.
Start the morning just dumping all your thoughts and emotions onto a piece of paper. This will help you get rid of the office stress and issues that may be blocking your mind at the time. It is not only therapeutic to write these things down, but it is a creative process that invariable leads to ideas and insights.
Take a notebook with you wherever you go. Every time you get an idea or come across something that has inspired you in some way, write it down so you can get back to it later. Every time you remember something you should be doing back at work, write it in the notebook as well. But don’t write it in the same section as your ideas. Start writing these thoughts in your notebook, but from the back. Later, when you return to work after your holiday, review both sections of your notebook. The great benefit from writing these things down is that you will not forget a great idea you had while sitting on the beach, and you can let go of the worry about the office because your to-do item is now in your notebook for later action.
Tell others of the things you have done, the books you have read, the people you have met and the insights you have had. Why not write a blog about these things? It will be good for your creative spirit to actually write these things down and it will help you focus on the value of these positive things. The added advantage is that your thoughts and ideas may well inspire others who read them.
It certainly is good to be away and recharge the batteries for the challenges ahead. Spend your time with family and friends - but don't forget to take care of yourself in the process!
If you are not sure how this applies to your unique circumstances or how to get started, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.
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