One of the most challenging things about owning a business is feeling like you are tied to it with a ball and chain.

Most small businesses are not Monday through Friday gigs.

There are always lists of things to do; bookkeeping, phone calls, web updates, jobs of clients, blah, blah and more blah. It’s endless and it’s impossible to get everything done.

There is always the next thing in on the list. I don’t know anyone in the first few years of their business who only works 40 hours per week. There are days I work 12-15 hours ( I am embarrassed to admit).

Comments I often hear from my clients  include:

• If I’m not here and my clients want me I’ll lose their business.

• If I’m not working I’ll lose money.

• I have to get this done!

* I can’t afford to leave and go anywhere.

People get anxiety attacks being away from their cell  phone and/or computer. It’s scary and it’s no way to live.

I did the unthinkable and I went away last week. I left town on Thursday morning and returned Sunday night.  Before I left I was having trouble sleeping, my mind was on over-drive.

I spent four days with no phones and no ability to work on my business.  In fact,  work-like balance is actually part of a whole business. I came back to 400 e-mails but I also came back calm and balanced. I feel rejuvenated and here are the benefits I noticed just today.

1. Ability to focus without distraction.

2. Talking slower and  more evenly.

3. Able to work more efficiently, doing one task at a time.

4. More energized after four good night sleep.

All this happened from taking four days away from my business. The sky didn’t fall in, I didn’t lose any clients and  in fact, many people didn’t even notice I was gone.

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