One Thing That's Imperative to Make Time For

Getting out of your normal environment with people you don't typically spend time with can have a massive impact on your business.

By Kerry Faix Entrepreneur, Real Estate Investor, COO and Founder of Stone Bay Holdings @kerryfaix

We all know that taking time for rest and relaxation is crucial to our business, our mental health, and our happiness. However, occasionally, we need to go one step further, and make time to go on a dedicated girls or guys trip with likeminded friends who challenge us. This necessary time away from business and family to clear your mind and renew yourself is essential to growing your business and yourself.

As business owners and entrepreneurs, time is a rare commodity, and the thought of stepping away from your business may be inconceivable, especially if you are not taking your family with you. You likely feel guilty just at the thought, since you work so much already and are away from your loved ones more than you may like to begin with. Making occasional time for yourself is not a selfish act, it is necessary time that will breathe life into you, and will enhance the time you spend with your family or on your business.

Start Small

A weeklong trip away may be unrealistic for you, at least at first. The important thing is that you are intentionally making this time for yourself. You can start small by just going on a weekend trip with a good friend or two, or even just a full day trip somewhere if that’s really all that time will permit. Try to keep in mind that the benefit of taking the time away is far greater than the tasks and responsibilities that will be delayed a couple of days by doing so. Try to plan your trip during a time of the month or year that you know is typically slower to decrease anxiety about leaving.

You Are Who You Surround Yourself With

The person or people you choose to take with you will make all the difference. It should be a good friend who is a straight shooter. Someone that will sympathize with and encourage you. Most importantly, someone that will challenge you on your journey.  We always hear that you are the sum of the five people you surround yourself with, make sure you are choosing the right people. Are they doing things you wish you were doing? Are they living a life you want to emulate? Or are they negative thinkers who aren’t on your level?

Diversity is Key

Spending time with people who are where you want to be may be uncomfortable because you’re not there yet, but they will help you to level up. Your friends will talk differently than you, and have different experiences, and that diversity gets you thinking differently in all aspects of your life, including your business, and helps motivate you to push forward. Being in different environments and situations are good for our minds and help us grow in ways we can’t imagine as we’re forced to work on muscles that are rarely used.

Gratitude

Enjoy the time that you have away, and let it refresh and revitalize you. Be grateful for the time you have, and it will give you an even greater appreciation for all the wonderful things you have in your life; for your family, your partners or employees, the opportunity to be an entrepreneur, for the challenges that make you grow. Remember that you are making this time so that you can be the best you can be when you are in the office or with your family.

Kerry is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, COO and Founder of Stone Bay Holdings. With extensive experience in building companies from the ground up, she owns and operates part of a $150 million RE portfolio. She is passionate about helping others achieve their dreams.