Dan Sullivan: Do You Deserve Free Time?

As a matter of fact, no, you don’t.

Free time isn’t a reward for good behavior (the idea of “deserving” free time). It’s a necessary precondition for optimum creativity and productivity.

So stop thinking that you’ll let yourself take a few days off when you get such-and-such done, get so-and-so hired, get this and that delegated, and so on.

Look at it this way: You’re the brains behind your business, and in order to continue to be successful, you’ve got to keep your brain sharp. Trouble is, if you use it continuously without rest, it will get dull.

At Strategic Coach, Free Days—24-hour days with absolutely no work-related thinking, reading, or activities—come before periods of high productivity, not after. They make your brain sharper, which means you’ll come back from time off with a new perspective, a higher energy level, and very probably a breakthrough.

Take one vacation a year—get one breakthrough. Take two vacations a year—get two breakthroughs. Take three—get three.

Plan at least five breakthroughs a year.

This is a tough concept for entrepreneurs, even the ones who don’t admit to being workaholics. But you might as well face the facts: You need Free Days!

Tips To Get You Started!

• Decide on a relaxing spot you already know and love or that you’ve always wanted to visit. “Rejuvenating” is the order of the day.
• Schedule your holiday to happen this quarter and book it right now. (Yes, now.)
• Get it into your calendar. Think of this time as untouchable.
• Make a list and start taking the necessary steps to have business handled while you’re away. Delegate, outsource, find a major new capability—whatever it takes.