The Benefits of Vacations for Entrepreneurs
I just returned from our annual family vacation to Cape Cod/Mystic on Saturday. As often as I’ve been there, I always leave more unique and special memories. I really believe vacations are a wonderful opportunity to spend more time with those close to you.
Spending that quality time can be hard as we go about our daily lives. As a business owner, it can be even harder to connect. Oftentimes, I’m looking at my phone or preoccupied with thoughts on ways to improve what I’m doing. However, I used this vacation as a major recharge. Here’s why it’s important for entrepreneurs to take vacations.
Connection. As previously stated, connection can be tough. Whether you own a business, work, or are a student, it’s often interrupted. It’s just refreshing to relax and not rush your time together. As crazy as it sounds, you get to really know your family after every vacation, even if you live with them. It’s a kind of sad and magical feeling at the same time.
Creativity and Reflection: Not only does vacation mode make you connect with others more, but it also makes you connect with yourself more deeply. Every year, in those quiet moments I reflect on the past year. I think about those good moments and ways to strive to create more of them. I also think about the moments I didn’t love and how to better navigate them. Instead of “working” on operational-type stuff, I use this time to bring more creativity to my brand!
I came to a self-discovery about myself during this trip, as I always do. During this year’s vacation, I discovered that I’m incredibly focused but need to be more adventurous. I was persistent in ensuring this trip was as enjoyable as possible. I felt like I was strategically planning how to make it the most fun and relaxing for everyone. I was obsessed with making this a trip that really was rejuvenating, even during even the simplest moments like walking through the parking lot! I think that determination is one of my best entrepreneurial traits.
Ahh… adventurous. That trait that I always hear entrepreneurs should have. I avoid discussing it because I know being a risk-taker is not my game. But I also know it’s important. However, It’s just not really me right now. I don’t know if has anything to do with starting a business during the pandemic or growing up in a predictable house with structure, but I need to work on taking risks in and out of business.
While driving off-road in the dark New England woods, I pretended to enjoy it, while holding on for dear life inside. I was just so happy when it was over and I was back on Route 6, KNOWING I’ll be at my hotel soon. But I’m so glad I had the experience! I think that’s what I have to try to remember more, the value of the experience.
I had a wonderful vacation this year, probably one of the best ever. I feel excited and ready to start crushing my goals again after being refreshed! If you can, I encourage you to take a vacation this year if you haven’t already. It’s truly amazing what it can do for you and your business!
Bon voyage!
