Embracing a new perspective on work & the importance of taking a break
As we approach the end of the year, it's the perfect time to start thinking about some well-deserved time off. And in this blog, I want to talk about a topic that's close to my heart – the idea that we shouldn't be working all the time. You see, I've come a long way from subscribing to the hustle culture, that incessant belief that we need to be doing, grinding, and hustling 24/7. In fact, I'm convinced it's time to let go of that notion, especially during this time of year.
Now, as I chat with my clients about their Christmas and New Year downtime, I encourage them to explore the idea of shutting down, guilt-free, and communicating this to their clients and teams. I've learned the hard way that working constantly and being "on" around the clock is a surefire path to burnout, and in my case, adrenal fatigue and chronic stress.
In the legal profession, the norm has long been to glorify long hours, burnout, and having no personal life. It was seen as the necessary route to success. Even though some lawyers managed to sneak in a few days off during the Christmas period, it was usually the more senior associates and partners. The rest of us would take the enforced ten-day shutdown, but it just wasn't enough.
You see, winding down from constant work and finding that state of calm takes time, much more than a brief vacation allows. Over the years, I discovered that this path led to a slew of health issues, reduced overall productivity, and increased the potential for costly mistakes. When you're perpetually stressed, rushed, and lacking clarity, it's a recipe for disaster.
It wasn't until I stepped away from this lifestyle that I experienced what it's like not to be constantly stressed and rushing. Having time to just be, without the pressure to be doing everything all the time, was transformative. This realisation was profound, especially for a new parent like myself.
So, why am I sharing all this with you?
Well, because I believe in a different way of working and living, one that embraces the magic of human design. Human design is a game-changer that gives you permission to be yourself, recognising that we all have different ways of working and being. I'm a projector, which means I'm not designed to be on and working all the time. When I discovered this, it was liberating. I finally felt like I had permission to be myself, to work the way that suits me, even if it doesn't fit into the traditional mould of long, gruelling hours.
I've spoken to many business owners, friends, and clients who have embarked on this journey of self-discovery through human design. The transformation and rejuvenation they experience is remarkable, and I'm in this beautiful rabbit hole for good.
Working with small business owners, I've seen the same patterns repeatedly. We pressure ourselves to be ‘on’ all the time, and taking a break is viewed as a luxury, or worse, as selfish and indulgent. But these outdated societal expectations are no longer serving us well. We must acknowledge that everyone is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to work.
When was the last time you felt truly inspired and innovative in your business?
Are you in love with your work, or are you struggling with a lack of drive, motivation, energy, and creativity? If it's the latter, it may be time to question whether your business, your team, and/or your personal well-being are better off that way. You may find that they're not.
These conversations about workplace arrangements, productivity, and expectations are more critical than ever. Working harder doesn't necessarily equate to being more productive. Everyone is unique, and we need to understand what makes us and our team work better.
So, as we approach the holiday season, let's pause and reflect on these ideas as we plan our Christmas and New Year's shutdown. It's a perfect time to plan for 2024, not just in terms of business objectives, but also in terms of taking breaks for ourselves and our teams.
Remember, it's not a set-and-forget process. Regular check-ins are essential. And to those business owners out there, know that you don't have to go it alone. Seek advice, engage in conversations, and embrace new perspectives. Your well-being and the success of your business depend on it.
This topic is also discussed in Episode #92 of the Rise Up in Business podcast You Shouldn't Work All The Time if you’d like to take a listen. Our Legal Advice for Small Business guide is another resource that you may find helpful on your business journey.
