I used to never take a vacation without bringing work.

I held tight to the self-imposed thought that only I could keep things together and make all the decisions - nothing could wait for my return.

After many years, I realized that my unwillingness to prepare and delegate was the source of the problem. No gold star exists for working 80 hours a week, and customers don't buy because you're a workaholic. Ultimately, you burn out, and your quality of work suffers. None of these things lead to the fulfillment, impact, and joy you desire.

Fortunately, I learned things could change when I decided to think differently.

Awareness is the first step to unwinding this spiral. Take the time to zoom out and reflect on your actions and perspective. You know where you’re holding on too tight. How can you invite more flow and flexibility into the process? Part of leadership (even if you’re a one-person band) is setting priorities and knowing what and when to let go.

If you’re a solopreneur, commit to preparing in advance: create your timeline, plan any content to post or send while you’re gone (or decide it can wait until you return), and notify key clients of your travel schedule. Set your email to “out of office” and enjoy the time away with family and friends or in joyful solitude.

If you manage a team, maintaining control while you’re on vacation signals a lack of confidence in their abilities. Instead, give your team a chance to take the wheel and make decisions (they may appreciate you much more when you come back!). Set expectations and discuss potential scenarios. When you return, talk with them to see what worked and what didn’t. This is an excellent opportunity for individual growth, identifying future leaders, and addressing any knowledge or training gaps.

I know now that quality refresh and recharge time fuels my energy, boosts creative ideas, and leads to peace of mind and greater business success.

Taking time off isn’t a nice thing to do; it’s an investment in your future.

Blog

Unplug to Uplevel