Sometimes separation gives you perspective. I feel like we always think of the word separation with a negative connotation, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Sometimes, separation is the healthiest choice.
This is especially true when it comes to your work and business life. You simply cannot pour into your business from an empty cup. And that means you have to step away to fill yourself back up.
One time my husband and I were on a hike and a panic attack started to creep its way into my mind. I was starting to get pretty tired and I had no idea when we would come to the end of this particular trail. I remember going through all the options in my head as the anxiety continued to build… Would it be shorter to turn around and go back from where we came? If we kept going would the end of the trail be close? Maybe we should veer off on a different path that would get us there quicker? The panic started to overwhelm me.
I started going into “what if” mode. What if we are on a path that literally doesn’t end? What if we don’t get out before it gets dark? What if I trip and fall and hurt myself and we don’t know how long it would take help to get here? What if I have to go pee really bad and I do it by some poison oak? Oh yes, I went there.
The forest felt like it would never end, until the moment we hit the clearing. Once we arrived at the open space I was immediately relieved. In an instant, I went from completely riddled with fear to complete ease.
I remember having that exact same feeling in my business. I remember thinking this is never going to end – the bills, the late fees, the collector calls, the upset customers. It’s never going to end.
During this time I attended a leadership class. The speaker for that particular day shared how he takes a 3-day retreat to business plan each year. He went on to explain that those 3 days are non-negotiable in his business. In fact, it’s one of his first priorities at the beginning of every year.
As I sat there listening to him I was in complete disbelief. I actually remember thinking, “Wow – what a luxury. That will never be possible for me.” My list of reasons was seemingly endless – I can’t afford to be away from my store. I don’t have the extra time to do that. I don’t have the resources to do that.
What I soon came to realize was that all of those excuses were the very reason why I needed to adopt his practice – or something similar.
You see, I was in the forest. I had no idea when my crazy cycle was going to end and I needed to remove myself from that. The only way I could ever escape the crazy cycle was to take a step back and get an aerial view. I didn’t want to keep walking the path I was on, so I knew I needed to create one. Having an aerial view allowed me to see where I was going. It gave me hope.
Over the next few weeks, I am going to cover the three things I believe must be on your calendar every year:
- Sabbatical
- Planning Retreat
- Vacation
Yep, ALL THREE. They have three very different purposes and they are planned and executed very differently.
A Sabbatical makes you a better you. A planning retreat makes your business a better business and you a better owner. A vacation refreshes the soul and brings you back together with those you love most.
Does this just sound nice to you? Join me over the next few weeks as I dive into these three experiences and share exactly how to plan and execute each one so that you are a better you.