This past weekend was a long weekend here in Canada. Since becoming an entrepreneur, I’ve found it challenging at times to give 
myself permission to “take the day off”. When you’re the only one responsible for whatever income you generate, time takes on a completely different meaning. There is no such thing as a 9-5 day anymore.
It’s not just about generating revenue every day. It’s about the fact that I truly love what I do. It doesn’t feel like work to me most days, and if I get inspired to write a blog post or an idea for a new program gets downloaded to me, I want to get started right away before I lose it! Whether you’re an entrepreneur or not when you love what you do, it’s not about working within set hours. You do what needs to be done when you have the time/inspiration/guidance/support you need to get it done.
In my last job, I wasn’t passionate about what I did. I did what I had to do in the time allotted. I wasn’t taking work home with me (not physically anyway). I’ve always taken pride in my work, whether I loved the job or not, but working extra hours and taking lieu days wasn’t an attractive idea to me. I’d rather go full-throttle all day than think about coming in on a weekend or working evenings.
As an entrepreneur, things are very different. Now, I have to remind myself that it is okay to go a full 24 hours and not do anything related to the business (without any guilt). I realize that sometimes taking some distance provides me with clarity that I don’t think I would have been able to achieve trying to make it happen. The brain and body need rest. Sometimes 8 7 6 hours of sleep just isn’t enough! It’s okay to take a “me-day” where it’s just about relaxing, resting and recharging.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or not it can be easy to find yourself burning the candle at both ends. There are so many things that want our time – work, kids, parents, significant others, friends – the list is ongoing. No matter what you’re doing, you want to be at your best. The only way to be your best is to take care of yourself. Whether it’s an afternoon nap, or a full body massage, we must be willing and able to give ourselves what we need so that we can continue doing what we have to do to the best of our ability.
We need to let go of the guilt that often comes when we don’t feel like we’ve been productive. I believe that if we don’t take that necessary “me-time” our productivity diminishes anyway. It’s the reason more companies are forcing their employees to take their vacation time! They realize that just because you’re showing up every day, it doesn’t mean that you’re being your most productive. Take time to recharge, clear your head and restore your body. How many tired, overworked people do you know? Do yourself, and those you care about a favour and take a day off! ♥