When was the last time you truly disconnected and took time off to recharge? If you’re struggling to remember, this post is for you.

Today is all about freedom. Happy 4th of July to all my American friends out there—here in the States and abroad. One of my most memorable Independence Day celebrations was actually in the UK. Yes, England. Obviously not a national holiday there, but lots of ex-pats and friends celebrate. Pretty fun! Freedom—it’s a core value nationally. We’ve adopted it for the business space, and every founder and entrepreneur should fully enjoy freedom. Sadly, few do, and most don’t take time off. Why does it matter? Why is taking time off crucial for leaders? Did you know that taking regular breaks can boost productivity by up to 40%? That’s true for YOU and your team as well. It’s time to relax, recharge, and refocus for better leadership and well-being.

Let’s face it: taking time off as a leader can feel like an impossible feat. We push this hard with the founders I work with. 100% of the time, they say, “I can’t do it”—then they do and love it! It turns into, “I have to do this.” It’s a total gamechanger. Why does it feel impossible? There’s the guilt of leaving your team behind, the fear of missing out on critical decisions, and the nagging feeling that you’re indispensable. The thought that if I’m gone, the business will burn down. These challenges create a cycle where leaders feel they must always be on, leading to burnout and decreased effectiveness. But the truth is, not taking time off can harm your productivity and your team's morale. So how do we break this cycle and embrace the benefits of a well-deserved break? Here are three strategies to take effective time off:

1. Plan Ahead:

Schedule your time off well in advance. This allows you to prepare your team and ensure all critical tasks are covered. Inform your team and clients about your planned absence, so everyone is on the same page.

2. Delegate Tasks:

Trust your team and delegate responsibilities. Empower your team members to make decisions in your absence. This not only helps you disconnect but also fosters growth and confidence within your team. It also shows your team that you trust them AND prepares them to take on more responsibility.

3. Set Boundaries:

Establish clear boundaries to protect your time off. Avoid checking emails and work messages. Communicate your unavailability and set up an emergency contact if absolutely necessary. I call it the fire/blood rule. Can’t Google or ChatGPT that. There is a training in our group called Time Off Without Fear. The FB Rule is something we used with our kids when my wife and I went out on date night—once our oldest became the “babysitter”—none of them were babies, but siblings squabble. Instead of calling us for every little thing—the rule was if there wasn’t a major crisis—like the house was on fire or someone was seriously hurt. Don’t call. That made date night way better. Minor problems were solved, and there was never a major crisis. I use that in business too. If a system is on fire or there is a problem where we’re bleeding cash—call me. Otherwise, decide, handle it, and use your best judgment. Works like a champ!

Key Takeaway:

Truly disconnecting and prioritizing time off to recharge and refocus is essential for better performance. Plan ahead, delegate, and set boundaries to make the most of your breaks. Your productivity and well-being will thank you.

When was the last time you took a true break? Celebrate freedom this week—as a nation and as a leader. Take time off. Disconnect, and come back refreshed and with a new perspective. Share your experiences. Let’s commit to taking time off and leading with renewed energy!