As we wrap up 2014, where are you?
Are you feeling exhausted? Are you dreading the upcoming holi
days?
Are you feverishly making big plans for 2015?
Are you trying to cram in final goal achieving before the New Year?
Are you feeling lucky just to get out of bed?
Often we have met some goals, didn’t meet other goals, and even changed some goals. Know that wherever you are – it is ok.
That’s right – it is ok.
Chances are if you have been in a holding pattern you are in needed downtime. Take the downtime. I don’t think enough thought is given to downtime.
I see people push and push to keep moving, but they aren’t sure where the heck they are going! I am not convinced that just any movement is necessarily helpful. I think pausing for some downtime is healthy.
This downtime allows for reflection. And reflection will make sure you are still honed in on the right goals for you!
Hopefully as the year progressed you learned along the way. This learning can affect goals. Taking periodic downtime enables you to consider goals and maybe even reconsider goals.
If you fell off the horse charging toward some of your goals, know that you can always get back on. But when you begin that new charge make sure you are heading in the right direction!
Tips for taking downtime:
- If you feel like you are beating your head against a very hard wall – know that you are! And you are not getting anywhere. So stop!
- Know that it is ok to take a step back. When you are feeling emotions like frustration, defeat and confusion that is often a great sign that you need to take a moment and make sure you are still headed toward the right goal(s) for you!
- Honor the downtime. It is not an excuse to do nothing, but reviewing where you are, where you want to go and the best path to get there IS action. If you find yourself sleeping all day or watching tv endlessly – then you aren’t in productive downtime review. You are in avoidance. And that is different!
Your path to goals will change because you are constantly learning. Adjustment should be welcomed. This means you are integrating new knowledge. And that is a great thing!
PLEASE KNOW: If you are feeling really stuck help is on the way! I am releasing a program in January 2015 that will help you get unstuck and moving forward. If you would like to be kept up to date, please visit GPS For Life and sign up for updates!
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Just include this complete statement with the content: A. Lynn Jesus, CEO and Purpose Expert with Thriveology, is dedicated to helping people discover their purpose and live life on their terms. Are you ready to get started? Stop going through the motions and find your Why with her FREE guidebook The Life (and Sometimes Coma) of Why.
Doing the same and expecting different results. This is what came to mind reading this. I think it’s a good idea to stop and access quarterly how it’s going in business, take out what is not working and see what you can add. Works for me… Great post, A.Lynn!
This is great! I refer to downtime as taking a “purposeful pause”. You’re so right that not enough time and attention is given to the need to just be. Downtime is needed to acknowledge lessons learned, celebrate successes, and to take a breath. Too often we are engaged in seemingly never ending mindless activity. Take the time to just be for a change.
Thank you for this nice reminder that we are human..lol! As entrepreneur, we sometimes get “superwoman syndrome” where we try to do everything and then feel guilty when things don’t get done. I agree 100% that neglecting downtime is a recipe for burn out. We must make downtime an oobjective!
I’m learning that’s it’s ok to enjoy downtime. I used to associate it with being lazy and making excuses but now I’m happy to say that I embrace it as a very necessary part of the process. No more guilt, just unadulterated enjoyment when downtime comes around. Thanks for reinforcing this in your blog A. Lynn
Hi A Lynn,
Fantastic post! Downtime is a must 🙂 Great share!
Downtime is important, thanks for the reminder Lynn! I know when I work too hard, it becomes counterproductive for me. So I appreciate your insight on this point.
The interesting thing that popped for me in reading your piece, was that you wrote it at the end of the year. This is known as the time of year when we are actually being called to go within and to reflect on the year that we have just lived and prepare for the upcoming year, yet most people are out and about attempting to be in the holiday spirit which is the opposite of what the time of year actually is about. It is no wonder so many people find the holidays stressful and they feel burned out by the “festivities” instead of taking the time (the holy nights between December 24th and January 6th) to actual do the work to prepare for the upcoming year. Downtime is key to maintain balance. Enjoyed your post…thanks.
I think downtime is important everyday. We need time to reflect on what is going on in our lives, including our business. My favorite “downtime” is walk my dog, it is good for body, love the fresh air and when she’s playing with her friends you can’t help but smile and laugh.
Such an important post. Downtime is needed although many entrepreneurs just work and work and forget about taking some “me time.” I know that’s what I did many years ago. Things have changed. I had a few health scares and completely changed my routine. In fact, now I take several breaks throughout the day. 🙂 It’s good for the body and for business.
It is now March & 2014, holiday sales season is so far behind, I cant recall it. In my business I have to be 1-2 seasons ahead . I do manage to take time off to recoup, rest.
Not me!! I’m so excited to have the next week to help make other people’s Christmas happy with fresh flowers and goodie gift baskets! Then I’ll have a few days to recuperate and take a short trip (just 100 miles or so) before getting ready for a terrific 2015. I took Norma’s advice and I am still working on my new calendar and Things To Do for the new year, but I’ve decided not to become overwhelmed with that, either. I have one HUGE goal for the new year and I’m going to work diligently on getting there, which means less facebook and more google+. For me it’s forward direction and not looking back. I hope it’s the same for you!
What a great perspective!! You are awesome! And good for you on taking some time for yourself amidst your planning. You will get there – I have no doubt!!
Beautiful article. It is so important to take downtime . Thank you
You are so welcome Carele. 🙂
I think down time is much needed so that you can reflect upon what you have accomplished, where you want to go and make a plan to get there. We create a plan to begin with but change happens and we need to adjust for that so we can reach our goals. Down time also allows us to come back more energized and creative.
I agree Meryl! Downtime can really help with reflection.