When deciding whether to take time off, consider your health

My business partner asked me to write in for help. I’ve worked two years without taking a vacation or even a short break. Can you convince me that a break is necessary?
Only you can decide on your course of action. However, I will provide some tips, and it’s up to you to move to the next level. With that said, consider these factors when you’re thinking about taking a break.

• Healthy you, healthy business. Let’s do a survey. Find five entrepreneurs who have taken a break from their businesses. Ask them about the benefits refueling has offered them and their businesses (increased energy, better health and more focused ideas for current and future products, to name a few). Oh yeah, don’t forget to include your doctor in the mix of people you consult on this matter.

• Systems on go. Some entrepreneurs are wary of taking off due to the lack of systems in place. Consider what you do every day or week. Are there processes that you can implement without you being involved? Delegate or reassign tasks that others can carry out in your absence. Try it for a couple of weeks. If the business is still around, you have successfully implemented a system. If there were challenges, rethink your strategy, but keep the focus on developing systems that provide you with flexibility.
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• Simon says. OK, if all else fails, Simon says take time off when your clients are off. Rejuvenate and come back to the office full steam ahead.
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Omar Muhammad, who heads the Morgan State University Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center, can be reached at omarsmuhammad@gmail.com.

BizJournal
Season 2, Episode 2
September 10th

Omar Muhammad
Contributor