In the high-paced world of service-based business, owners often find themselves immersed in a relentless cycle of meetings, emails, and client demands. For those generating annual revenues between $100K to $3M, and leading teams from 2 to 15 members, it’s easy to overlook the importance of downtime. However, as a business growth strategist, I’ve seen how downtime, whether in the form of a weekend getaway or a more extended vacation, can be the secret sauce to achieving and sustaining success.
Something I just experienced myself over this past weekend. My son had a flag football tournament in Flagstaff, AZ so we turned that 1.5 day tournament into a 3+ day getaway. In addition to the football fields at NAU, we hit the arcade, laser tag, canyon coaster and mountain slide (snow tubing without the snow), I taught him how to play rummy 500 and we spent a few hours at Out of Africa where we got to hand feed a giraffe!
With lots of smiles and memories in the making, the time away from my desk and computer was also a valuable benefit to my business. I was able to think about some challenges and opportunities in a new way. This brought more clarity to my next steps on a project for both long and short-term solutions and growth.
And while there is a time and place for intentional thought and strategy in business, there is equally a time for creative thought. This was one of those times as it wasn’t through intentional thought that brought this clarity, it was the space and relaxation that allowed these thoughts to come to the surface. In fact, my biggest piece of clarity came when driving through the desert listening to a book on audible while DJ took a nap.
Here’s a few takeaways on how downtime can be the secret sauce to achieving and sustaining long-term growth and success:
Rest and Recharge
Running a service-based business can be emotionally and mentally draining. The constant client demands, the need for innovation, and team management can sap your energy over time. Downtime is essential because it allows you to step away from these pressures and rejuvenate.
Rest is not a luxury; it’s a strategic necessity. When you prioritize rest, your productivity and decision-making abilities improve. Your mind needs moments of respite to process information effectively. Stepping away briefly can help you return to work with a refreshed perspective and newfound enthusiasm.
Unplugging to Reconnect
In our digital age, we’re tethered to our devices and online commitments. While this connectivity offers advantages, it can also stifle creativity. Unplugging, even briefly, allows you to disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with your core self.
Unplugging provides space for introspection and self-discovery. It’s in these solitary moments that profound ideas often emerge. As a business owner, your creativity and intuition are invaluable. Allowing them to flow freely requires giving them room to breathe.
Boosting Creativity and Innovation
Downtime can spark creativity and innovation. Leaving your daily routine behind and immersing yourself in new experiences can lead to fresh perspectives and ideas. These insights can transform your business.
Being in “work mode” continuously limits your thinking to established patterns. Downtime breaks those patterns and encourages your brain to make new connections. It’s during these moments that solutions to longstanding issues or ideas for groundbreaking services often appear.
Enhancing Decision-Making
Effective decision-making is vital to business success. Yet, in the constant hustle, decisions can become rushed and stressful. Downtime provides the chance to step back, evaluate options, and make well-informed decisions.
Taking time to rest and reflect leads to better, more strategic choices. You’ll gain clarity and mental space to weigh pros and cons, consider long-term implications, and align your decisions with your business’s values.
Nurturing Relationships
Service-based businesses thrive on relationships, with clients and team members alike. Downtime enables you to strengthen these bonds by spending quality time with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with those who support and inspire you.
Strong relationships are the lifeblood of your business. They result in loyal clients, motivated teams, and valuable collaborations. Prioritizing these connections during downtime can have a significant positive impact on your business.
In conclusion, downtime is not a luxury; it’s a strategic necessity for service-based business owners. Whether through weekend getaways or longer vacations, it’s an essential investment in your well-being, creativity, and business success. As a business growth strategist working with entrepreneurs in your revenue range, I encourage you to make downtime a priority. Embrace it as a tool that can transform your business and personal life. Remember, downtime is not a sign of weakness; it’s a strategic choice that propels your success.
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Service based business owners hire Dana Earhart when they are ready to Optimize Their Way to 7+ Figures experiencing more money, more time freedom and more JOY!
With 25+ years in consulting, Dana’s built teams from the ground up and led teams of 2 to 100 across multiple continents. Over 10 years ago, with a toddler in tow, she took the leap, leaving a 20 year career in corporate consulting, to launch her own business. Helping others lead more effectively while streamlining and simplifying is one of her specialties.
Today, as a Business Growth Strategist and the CEO of Dana Earhart Consulting, Danahelps transform “overwhelmed and overworked” 6 & 7-figure business owners into THRIVING 7+ Figure CEOs, without being workaholics.
By blending business strategy with personal growth and development, Dana delivers a holistic approach for business owners ready to optimize their way to 7+figure revenues creating more money, more free time and more JOY!
If you are ready to create this in your business and life as well, I’m guessing it’s worth exploring with a 30 min call to see if we may be a good fit? Grab a day/time that will work for you and let’s start talking to determine if we’re a good fit.