Call it what you will (vacation, holidays, break, time out) but I’m sure we can all agree that holidays are an incredible gift. Can you imagine working for an organization that never lets you take a break, regain perspective, get inspired, acquire vision, take time to unwind or simply allow you to remember why you work so hard? These are, afterall, what holidays have the potential of doing!

Holidays are a crutial part of balancing work and life. It can directly affect ones’ happiness and overall ability to manage stress and succeeed, whether you’re in business, in school or retired. Some of my best holidays have taken me to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and to the Gulf of Mexico. Are you spotting a trend? Yes, travelling and feeling the sand between my toes always seems to hit my internal “reset” button. I always return inspired, rested and focussed -ready to do more (or different) than I did just before my trip. And what a blessing it is, not only to have the opportunity to explore these amazing places but to know what makes me happy when I’m not working.

But some people never get that opportunity. There are hundreds of organizations, in Canada, that never let their employees take a break. Doesn’t that sound cruel? It’s sad but true; many self-employed entrepreneurs never give themselves the opportunity to take time off. Over the years, I’ve stressed the importance of taking time off to all of my clients whose fear of loosing potential income exceeded their need to take holidays -not fully appreciating what ‘holidays’ can do. If any of this is sounding familiar to you, here’s a thought:

Without time to reflect and refocus on vision, one tends to race towards nothing in particular. And how effective is that? I cannot emphasize the value of Vision, Perspective and Growth; all of which a good holiday can bring to individuals and their businesses. All you need is good planning and a much deserved holiday is yours! Wishing you a wonderful, fulfilling summer holiday!

Tina Collins, CCP is a Consultant and Coach with Limestone Management Consulting Group.