As business owners we work hard and have to deal with and carry a lot of pressure to achieve consistent business results and realise a healthy profit.
Over 12-months we as business owners can get worn out, in fact when we stop, we can tend to hit the wall and even get sick. If we recognise this tendency, we can easily decide it’s better to just keep going which isn’t sustainable for long.
Can I tell you?
Christmas time is a wonderful opportunity to get off the treadmill and take some time for yourself to rest, refresh and reset for 2023. Here are some tips to make the most of the break and position yourself to achieve success in 2023. I would encourage you make the most of your time off, whether it’s 3 weeks or two.
Week One – Rest
The first week is all about rest and recovery from the year. Breaking the routine, taking the time to be kind to yourself giving yourself permission to rest, do nothing, sleep in and or take an afternoon nap. Don’t plan any major projects or activities, don’t push through any tasks on your to do list. Maybe do the odd thing here and there as you feel like it. Key here is go with the flow not doing, just be!
Be aware during this week your emotions and thoughts may go hay wire. If you are anything like me, my emotions can go very high and low during this time. I can even feel semi depressed and somewhat flat. Knowing this I endeavour to say less to minimise any possible negative comments.
Week Two – Refresh
After going through week one, you probably notice some energy coming back without any artificial stimulates such as caffeine, sugar or alcohol.
Now our focus is all about having fun and enjoyment, making the most of the opportunity to have a blast with your family and friends doing the things you enjoy with the people you love. During this time of recreation (which means to recreate you) you will feel recharged and refreshed. Your emotions and thoughts should settle back down. You will notice more of those small joyful moments where your family and friends are having fun and interacting with each other. These are what the holidays are all about enjoying each other, the break from routine and being refreshed.
Week Three – Reset
If you are fortunate enough to have three weeks off, you can continue your break. Now we are ready and positioned to put some time aside to reflect and review 2022 asking some key questions such as:
- What went well last year? 2-3 highlights
- What could have been better last year or what frustrated you? 2-3 low points
- What are you grateful for last year?
- What do you believe needs to change this year?
- End of year Vision – Describe or list what success looks like at the end of the year?
This is not an extensive list of questions however should get you started. I would always recommend doing this individually and then discussing with your significant other if you have one. This time creates the space to consider the things that really matter, to make some adjustments, and key decisions to achieve your targets for the year ahead. If you do this as a couple, it will help you both connect at a deeper level, gain insight, get agreement, and create a sense of unity.
In Summary
It is amazing what a good break from the norm can do for you, increasing your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. After this 3 week break you should feel rested, refreshed, reset ready and focused for 2023.
Regular breaks help sustain your energy levels, a positive mental attitude and good health which will assist you to achieve success over the long term.
Please note: This process works however everyone is different and therefore your approach will need to be finetuned over time. Please don’t change the order of the weeks or you may not feel rested, refreshed, reset at all.
Robert Miller is a performance coach who has been working with Leaders and Businesses since 2005, helping them to achieve personal and business success. If you have any questions or would like some help or get more information. Go to www.robertmiller.co.nz or email Robert rm@robertmiller.co.nz
