As a small business owner growing your success, you work damn hard and you wear many hats – sales, marketing, product development, admin, payroll, HR manager, technical support, social media expert… the list does not end. But the problem with wearing all of these hats is that if you falter, the business falters too. This is why it is critical that, when it comes to business success, you put yourself first.
Not convinced? Ok, here are 7 reasons why you need to ensure that ‘Me Time’ is front and centre for you in 2016:
- Brain Drain – Our brains simply aren’t programmed for long sessions of focussed concentration. Our brains are wired to perform best with dedicated periods of focus interrupted by periods of rest. A study by the University of Illinois has shown that our brains operate in 2 modes: the focus mode (when we are learning or working) and the diffuse mode (when we relax, meditate, daydream or simply switch off). It’s the diffuse mode where your brain actually does it’s best work. Think about it, how many times have you come up with a clever solution to a tricky problem when you have taken a break – going for a walk or a jog or having a quick cat nap – from troubling over the problem? By giving your brain a ‘break’ you have literally allowed it to dream up a ‘breakthrough’.
- Productivity – as little as 15 minutes of switch off time will boost your performance by 23%, so imagine what some dedicated, scheduled Me Time will do for your productivity! The research on this one is literally leeching from Universities – but one statistic which caught my attention was from Psychology Today which found that males who don’t take annual leave for several years are 30% more likely to have a heart attack that those who take at least one week off a year. There is not much you can do for your business if you are dead.
- Systemising makes sense – done properly, planning and scheduling regular Me Time (including annual leave) will result in the documentation of work policy and processes along with the up-skilling of empowering of staff.
- Too many trees – have you have heard the expression She can’t see the wood for the trees? Essentially it means that you are so involved in a situation that you can’t see it clearly. Taking time out for regular Me Time will allow you to step back, spend time reviewing your business goals and your own performance, and to ensure you are focusing on the right things.
- Relationships – a hard singular focus on your business means you have less time for other important things in life, such as your family and close relationships. Making regular Me Time will allow you to invest time in everything that is important to you.
- Monkey See Monkey Do – if you have a team of staff then you need to lead by example. Taking regular Me Time will also empower your team to do the same which can only benefit your business (see points 1,2,3,4,5 above).
- Sustain your passion – scheduling in regular Me Time from your business will help ignite your passion for your amazing business. All work and no play makes Jane pretty dull, and in turn makes Jane’s sense of drive, passion and enthusiasm for her business start to wane. Take a break and re-energise.
In the hustle and bustle of the New Year and setting your business goals for 2016, it makes sense to make Me Time your number one priority.
