Are you too tired?
You’re on the back straight, coming up fast to the finish line. Does the idea of pushing yourself to accelerate and go up a gear seem too much? Are you exhausted? You’ve been pushing hard and you’re almost empty. Before you round that last bend, you might need to re-fuel.
Not sure if you’re running on empty? Look for the signs:
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It’s tougher to get excited about new work, inbound enquiries, or even great client results.
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Your attention span is shrinking. Net-a-porter, shiny objects, social media and boxsets are all calling you.
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You’re not walking the floor as much – when you get in, you isolate yourself and stay at your desk or in your office.
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You’re having a hard time getting revved up to chase new opportunities.
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You aren’t as productive. Getting through your to do list is getting worse. The list that never ends.
You might misinterpret these signs as indicators of age, waning interest, or that it’s time to go. For most of you, that’s not the case.
It just means you’re tired and you need to recharge. Business owners and leaders are not so great at that, so you need to be intentional about it. Get the energy back.
Plan a getaway. Go somewhere that will fill the tank. Thought about booking that flight several times?
Just do it. Right now. Everyone has the capacity to get away, to unplug, to reboot. Your business will survive without you.
It may be better or stronger because of it. You’ve always been the great safety net, but people stretch to new realities once they’re forced to do it on their own. Give yourself the breather. Give your team the vote of confidence.
Find what replenishes you and get it in the diary. But this is key: truly get away. Don’t call in every morning. Don’t spend hours on WhatsApp or email every day. Get some serious rest. Or get seriously active. Whatever you prefer. Put on your own oxygen mask first. This is about making (and taking) time for you.