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Why taking a break is a good idea.

Clear Vision • May 13, 2016

Time Out     Time Out of Your Business…

Most small business owners work many months in a row at 70- to 80-hour work weeks and many are doing the business. As business owners we often hit a wall and sometimes we don’t even know it. We become that cranky boss more days than not. The trouble is this kind of work pace is unsustainable. Creativity suffers, resilience falters and one’s sense of accomplishment plummets. You fail to come up with new ideas or motivating yourself to work through those tough parts on assignments. You develop a general feeling of being less engaged in your work. You need a break.

About 31 percent of entrepreneurs work at least 10 hours a day, and 15 percent work every day of the week, according to a Discover Small Business Watch survey. The poll also found that 59 percent of respondents define a day off as being available for calls and emails, or working at least part of the day.
Taking time out from work to reboot your life is not just a new and enduring trend; it’s a necessity in our stress-ridden world,” write Catherine Allen, Nancy Bearg, Rita Foley and Jaye Smith, the co-authors of “Reboot Your Life: Energize Your Career & Life by Taking a Break.”And how, exactly. It starts with good business planning. Building a business model that allows you to take time out is possible for most businesses. It’s just a case of finding that help and working through the challenges. But don’t forget, the planning and implementation doesn’t happen over night – sometimes it takes many years.

Simple steps you can take yourself:
Take an hour at your favourite coffee shop, or park just to think deeply about when a break makes sense for you, and how you’re going to make it happen.
There’s no once size fits all solution for every business owner, since needs can vary so much across industries. But some things are true across the board — like writing your goals down to help crystallize and clarify next steps. Why do you want to take time off? When would you take it? Would someone step in to take care of business while you were away, or would you notify customers and clients that the business would be closed?

In some industries, these questions are easily answered – like the building industry where it’s considered the norm to take 4 weeks off from work at Christmas but time off outside this could result in you losing contracts or work flow. Or the accounting industry where it’s expected the office will be closed for 2-3 weeks at Christmas.

Great business owners can turn their business over to a capable No. 2 to run the day-to-day operations during the reboot break. When looking for your No. 2, identify the critical bits of the business that need covering. Whether it’s technical skill, computer IT speciality stills or know how to service customers, listen and solve problems.

The last point, communication is extremely important — especially if you want to make the most of your time off.

– Document your critical processes that you normally do for those who will be supporting you. Don’t forget to include the KPIs.
– Finished as many business issues, when possible
– Prepare your backup for anything that may come along, such as new business
– Let everyone know important contact information, including that of the business advisors, technical support and maintenance people.

Embracing the Bright Side: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

By Caroline Gillies • 07 Mar, 2024
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting to pause and appreciate the simple joys that surround us. But amidst the challenges and hardships, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to shine through the darkness. Today, let's embark on a journey to explore the uplifting and positive aspects of life, reminding ourselves of the beauty that exists in every moment. Gratitude: A Key to Happiness Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform even the most mundane of days into something extraordinary. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for, whether it's the warmth of the sun on your face, the laughter of loved ones, or the beauty of nature. By shifting your focus to the blessings in your life, you'll find that joy naturally follows. Embracing Imperfection Life is messy, unpredictable, and imperfect – and that's what makes it beautiful. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace the flaws and quirks that make you unique. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and learn from your mistakes with grace and humility. Remember, it's okay to stumble along the way – it's all part of the journey. Finding Joy in the Little Things Happiness doesn't always come from grand gestures or monumental achievements. Often, it's the little things that bring the most joy – a kind word from a stranger, a hug from a friend, or a quiet moment spent watching the sunset. Pay attention to the small moments of beauty and wonder that pepper your day, and you'll find that happiness is never far away. Spreading Kindness and Love In a world that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent, kindness is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. Make it a priority to spread love and positivity wherever you go, whether it's through a simple act of kindness or a heartfelt compliment. By lifting others up, you'll find that you lift yourself up in the process. Cultivating Inner Peace True happiness comes from within, rooted in a sense of peace and contentment that transcends external circumstances. Take time each day to nourish your mind, body, and spirit – whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking a walk in nature. Cultivate a sense of inner peace that will sustain you through life's ups and downs, allowing you to navigate challenges with grace and resilience. Embrace the Journey Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, but it's also a journey filled with beauty, wonder, and endless possibilities. By embracing the bright side of life, finding joy in everyday moments, and spreading love and kindness wherever we go, we can create a world that is a little brighter, a little kinder, and a little more beautiful for us all. So let's embark on this journey together, with open hearts and open minds, ready to embrace all that life has to offer.

Boosting Your Superannuation: Seven Powerful Strategies

By Caroline Gillies • 22 Feb, 2024
Boosting Your Superannuation: Seven Powerful Strategies

Changes to Company details and ASIC – How to avoid a fee

By Caroline Gillies • 19 Oct, 2023
When it comes to being a Director of a company, there are administrative requirements that must be complied with, including keeping ASIC in the loop. We all hate paying unnecessary fees, and ASIC loves to charge fees. To avoid late fees, ASIC must be told about any changes to company details, including your business or residential address, within 28 days. If your company's information changes, please let us know so we can notify ASIC on your behalf. Example: Jarryd gets a late fee Jarryd recently moved his company to a new storefront. In the rush of changing to his new principal place of business, he forgot to update his address details with ASIC. A month later, Jarryd logged into his online account to change his address to reflect the address of his new principal place of business. Because it was outside the 28 day timeframe, the company was charged a $93 late fee. If he had waited longer and lodged the change of address more than a month late, the company would have been charged a $387 late fee. To avoid fees in the future, Jarryd realises it's important to update his details as soon as they change. In summary, be like Jarryd and realise the importance of advising Clear Vision Accountancy Group of any changes. Example supplied by ASIC
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