When You’re Full You Need to Empty the Glass

This isn’t a post about drinking or how much I drank, this is about knowing when to take some time off. Since most of my posts are about business I am usually on the rant about making sure you are stepping up your game and taking full potential of the opportunities available for the business owner. There is a time when every body needs to wind down and recharge their batteries, but how do you know when that time is? Some people believe they should have every weekend off, my kids think like that. On the other hand some people can go years without taking time off and be perfectly fine, ask any weathered sea man. I am somewhere in the middle. I believe in taking time off when you need it, not for the sake of it.

My businesses  operate on different schedules. I have one division that is very busy with corporate clients and the other division is very busy with retail clients. That is not good for a small office because the retail clients are busiest on weekends and after normal work hours. The corporate clients are busy with meetings and programs during the work hours so you can see how this begins to be a problem as far as taking time off. Many Owner Operators fall into this trap due to the fact that their job is to travel and there are so many ways they can be held up from weather to construction, border delays, and more. Like everyone else money isn’t made if the wheels aren’t moving.

The secret to knowing when you should take time off is to know your body. When you start being irritable for no reason unless of course you are normally like that, if you feel sluggish and tired much of the time, or you just feel out of sorts then you may just need a day off. The needs will change with the individual and their profession so don’t go by someone else’s time table. In my mind there is no shame in going to bed early or taking a day off if it will keep you on the top of your game, your business depends on it, however your health depends on good rest and once in a while a day off is the answer.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is a business and leadership consultant with over 30 years experience in the transportation industry. For more information on Bruce and his programs please visit his website at www.outridge.ca