Hopefully, you noticed that I was missing for a bit! If you follow my podcast, and I hope you do, you know that I have spent the last couple of months working on my new book Unique You, which will be available in 2019 through Baker Books. I’d like to say that I was enjoying a long siesta, but I am refreshed in ways that only can result from a period of self-reflection and self-care. Now that my hiatus has ended, you can look forward to practical leadership strategies and personal insights delivered directly to your inbox every other Wednesday.
Keep reading: It’s All About Relationships
Use That Paid Time Off
As we move ever onward in our leadership quest, it is essential to keep in mind that, sometimes, taking a well-deserved break is the best thing that you can do for yourself and your development. If you are someone who marks your success through the constant pursuit of achievements, you understand that it is extremely difficult to allow yourself a moment to slow down and catch your breath. But the truth is, when you are firing on all cylinders for too long, you will inevitably burn out.
[bctt tweet=”Sometimes, taking a well-deserved break is the best thing that you can do for yourself and your development.” username=”ronkitchens”]
Though there is no U.S. law mandating time off, practically every organization allows for downtime. On average, Americans have ten personal days a year to recharge their batteries. However, a 2017 study by Harris Interactive explored trends in vacation time and found that one in five Americans still had unused paid time off at the end of 2016. The study also discovered that three in ten felt that while away, they were still expected to get work done and reported responding to a constant flow of emails during their vacations.
Keep reading: “7 Signs You are Burning Out Your Team”
You Don’t Need Permission to Live Your Life
I experienced this myself when, years ago, my whole family took a trip to South Padre Island. We all flew out together and rented a beautiful house on the beach. But two days after we arrived, I started getting panicked calls from the office—a huge deal was quickly falling apart. Before long, I chose to leave my family and fly back in an attempt to piece things back together. I have regretted this decision ever since. The deal died anyway, but the worst part was that I would never be able to get back that time with my family.
So, whether you are spending your off-hours scuba diving, kayaking, reading, meditating or just having dinner with your family, do not forget to unplug. If you spend too much time tied to your devices, you will not only suffer from unnecessary stress, but you may also miss out on some important moments in your life.
Always Forward.
— Ron
Engage: What rejuvenates you in your time away from the office?
Good Morning Ron, definitely needed to read this. I often feel, I’m a workaholic. Taking time off makes me feel guilty. I’ve realized, I’m missing precious time with family that I will never get back. Thank you for your honest and thoughtful words, helps the rest of us know it’s okay to step back every once in a while.
Hope your well, please send my love to Lynn.