Memorial Day was created to honor those who have died in active military service. It is an important reminder to us as entrepreneurs and business owners that we need a day of rest, and we need to take a step back and remember the freedom that is ours because of the fallen men and women.
For most of us, Memorial Day is a day off of work that we are able to spend with those we love. I think this is a great way to spend the day, enjoying the freedom that those in service to the US fought hard for us to celebrate. So, today, I suggest that you eat delicious food on a picnic table outside, relax, and send a note of encouragement to a friend or family member who has lost someone in battle.
As business owners, we love our work and are passionate about what we do, but we also need to be able to step away and take our minds off of office talk. As you eat a hamburger and remember the fallen, here are some things to think about in light of business and rest.
It’s essential to pace yourself.
There is a reason for weekends and holidays. One of the keys to business success is the ability to enjoy rest and recognize it’s necessity. When employees have a healthy work/life balance they are able to be present at work and typically excel in their roles. They are also able to have a healthy social life.
Take advantage of opportunities to break from your normal routine, like Memorial Day. Turn off the phone and leave it on the charger while you relax. When you come back to it, you’ll be recharged and ready to jump back into work.
Keep your relationships healthy.
Nothing is worth alienating the people around you. It takes a lot of work on your part to be an entrepreneur and requires a lot of sacrifice from family and friends. Pushing yourself to the point of neglecting those relationships will never work.
Make sure you express your appreciation for the people in your life by spending quality time with them. If you wait until your business hits a higher level of success, you may find it’s too late.
Invite over some close friends you haven’t seen in a while and enjoy hotdogs on the back porch. Intentionally carve out time to connect with them, asking them about their life, passions, and dreams. You’ll leave the party refreshed and will probably start bleeding their excitement into your business!
All in all, enjoy your life.
When it comes down to it, enjoy your life. If you are constantly stressed, working obscene hours, and leaving dinners to take a work call, you’re not living your life. Find the balance between work and fun. If you’re having trouble coming up with ways to rest and enjoy a day off, try one of the following.
- Go on a hike with your family
- Take your kids or grandkids to the car wash
- Have a bonfire and roast marshmallows
- Rent a boat and ride around with friends
- Read a novel on the back deck
- Spend time in your garden
- Take a bike ride
- Indulge in a sweet dessert
- Send a friend a text and tell them you’re thinking of them
- Don’t change out of your pajamas for a whole day
- Keep your phone off all day long and don’t check email
It’s pretty simple, really. Keep being a human who works as an entrepreneur, not the other way around.
Enjoy your Memorial Day! Take some time off and live life.
What will you do to remember the fallen and celebrate your day off?
