Life only gets busier. If you don’t create boundaries and decide what you want to do, the world will decide for you.
Aahh the long-awaited Holiday Season! That time of the year when time goes by really fast, unrealistic deadlines become the norm, holiday shopping is our favorite torture and stress levels creep up to a new season high… Really? Isn’t this supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year?”
Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas or simply a few days to relax at home, this is the time to catch up with the type of quality family time that you’ve been postponing all year long.
If you’re an entrepreneur and believe that business shouldn’t stop no matter what time of the year it is, take a cue from the most successful business people around you. You will see how they too use the holidays to regroup and recharge because taking vacations is among the smartest entrepreneurs’ habits that will allow you to be far more effective at what you do.
Here are some of the most commonly mentioned vacationing tips that will allow you to fully enjoy your time off from work while keeping your business running without missing a beat.
Build a reliable team that you can leave your work concerns to.
This will not only make you feel less anxious about being away but this will benefit your business as well. A business with people who will stretch their abilities to ensure that everything’s smooth running while the boss is away has the best potential to grow and succeed. At MGR we’ve grown more since I disengaged myself from the day-to-day operations than when I was involved in every single project. Don’t put a lid on your own growth, and worse off, don’t become the lid yourself.
Tell your most relevant clients and your employees that you will be “out of reach” for a few to several days.
Your clients are your partners. Letting them know about your plans will prepare them for your absence, so before you leave, you’ll have already gone over important issues and have made arrangements to have all tasks and priorities are covered.
Avoid Social Media “Status Anxiety.”
That’s what I call some of my friends’ posts these days. It seems like nowadays, they all need to post every-single- thing they do on Social Media as if their lives would not relevant unless they tell other people about their “status” every single time. “Yeah, see how cool I am eating here or there, at this airport or checking in at this hotel….” You name it. If you’re hungry for constant “likes” and social recognition you need to reconsider your life priorities. Take a “Social Media Vacation” too, it’s part of unplugging (see next point below). By the way, I pretty much quit my Social Media participation in 2016 and I have to tell you, I’ve found a lot of new time to spend on things that I really like. Don’t miss the gossip at all! And that doesn’t mean not being social.
Unplug… somewhat.
Perhaps just bring your smart phone with you so you can communicate with your family if you’re not bringing them along. But if you will be traveling with your loved ones, unplug completely and don’t let your work concerns worm their way into your vacation. If there are problems at work, let your employees take care of them; trust your team, feel comfortable delegating and empower them to make their own decisions while you’re away.
Bring reading material that will allow you to completely unwind.
You don’t want your mind to still be occupied by work concerns so read stories that are unrelated to what you normally do. I personally love reading biographical or self-improvement books during my time off. Oftentimes, when you read the biography of other successful entrepreneurs, they can be both, a great read and a fantastic source of inspiration for your own self-improvement.
Experience the local culture especially if you’re traveling abroad.
This is a fantastic learning experience because it takes you out of your comfort zone and opens your eyes to the various ways people go about their lives. If you stick to the traditional “guided tours” you will be missing out. Mingling and chatting with the locals is the best way to understand and to assimilate their culture. Learning about their own problems and life challenges also brings a whole new perspective to your own life.
Focus on family or loved ones.
Give them your full attention because for the most part of the year, you fail to give them quality time. Also, when you focus on your family, this will change the pace of your life and you need that to become a more flexible individual. If you fail to invest in family life today, you’re sure to pay the price tomorrow. Don’t make that mistake.
Go on an adventure.
There’s nothing like experiences that somehow take you to the edge and refresh and challenge the mind. These are activities that will have you getting back to work more inspired and invigorated than ever. Whatever gives you an adrenaline rush, will undoubtedly recharge your batteries more than any other activity. Find time to test your limits and boost your self-confidence and you’ll be glad you did when you get back to work.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a lot of fun and enjoy your life to the fullest. And after you come back from your vacation, take time for yourself every day. Reflect, be grateful, appreciate, disconnect, and love yourself. You will feel much better.
Happy Holidays! Until next time, this is Manuel Gil del Real (MGR)
