Yeah, you read that right, all work and no rest can actually slow your business growth!
No matter how hard you seem to work, you just appear to be taking one step forward and two steps back. You either run out of time, ideas or quite simply get bored and your mind begins to wander!
Yet, you keep pushing yourself harder and harder as you see it as the only way out, and you absolutely do NOT want to fail!
Is this all sounding a little familiar?
Well, if it does, you are not alone!
Too many people are missing out on that one vital part of business that helps you succeed with EVERY part of your business and it is something soooo simple, yet often seen as a ‘waste of time’.
Quite simply it is called ‘taking a break’, take some time out from your every day routine to give your body time to re-charge the old batteries, so to speak!
You will find that when you return, you will be totally refreshed, full of creative ideas and quite possibly, have a whole new outlook on your business, that may have not been there when you were ‘stressed out’ and ‘running on empty’ before your break.
Now I’m not saying just drop everything and shoot off to a sunny island somewhere, try to plan your break around your business and take as little work with you as you possibly can.
For example, 2 weeks ago I went to sunny Cyprus with my lovely wife Katie and all I took regarding business was my iPhone, I was still able to send out an important broadcast from my iPhone, which you may have seen called ‘Mass Article Control‘
This was not planned or pre-loaded, just one of those ‘spur of the moment’ things that I thought would really help my subscribers, and from the feedback I got back, It really DID help a lot of people out!
Actually, I quite enjoyed writing the email, here is a pic of me actually writing it by the pool, and yes, that is my foot!
As you can see, it was hardly stressful!
So that’s the work part of my break out of the way, let’s get onto the fun part!
I want to say a very big THANKS to ‘Socrates Soratous‘ who took time out from ‘taking HIS break’ to come and visit me while I was there.
We had a great time chatting over a few cold beers and it was great to talk face to face with a TOP marketer that I have been in contact with for a long time.
Here is a pic of us both, I’m the sunburnt one! 🙂
During my ‘break’ I also found that I love water skiing(among other water sports), I have never tried water skiing before, or any kind of skiing for that matter!
Here’s a pic of me starting out on the side of the boat on a pole, expecting to be dragged along face down:
Well, in fact the very first time the boat took off I DID get dragged along face down! I was kinda expecting it to gradually increase speed, oh how wrong was I:
10 minutes later, I was hanging on for dear life by a rope at the back of the boat, but really loving it!
>>Take a look at the short video here <<
I know the video is quite short, but to be honest I was not skiing for that long as my arms were fading from what felt like being pulled along by a rocket.
Yes, I was a tad sore the next day, but thoroughly enjoyed it!
One last pic here is just a view from my balcony, which in itself I found very relaxing:
OK, so as I was saying at the start of this post, if you simply work yourself into the ground, it will not necessarily be beneficial, in fact it could really slow your business down.
Make sure you schedule some time off, no matter how busy you think you are. It does not have to be anywhere exciting, just away from work and relaxing.
Don’t be scared to ask for help if you need it, I personally had to ask my good friend Daniel Sumner to help out while I was away, even though he was outstretched himself at the time, he still made time for me. (Thanks Dan!)
You should know yourself when you are in need of a break, you may feel run down, tired, out of energy or even anxious or stressed, if you are, then it’s time for a break.
If you are just too busy, keep reminding yourself every single day that you need to shedule that break in, and don’t give up on yourself until it is set in stone.
I hope this post has helped you realize the importance of rest and taking a break and maybe even give you a little insight into my personal life.
Please comment below, I would love to see pics of YOUR break, or it you just need to talk, say ‘hi’!
Talk soon,
Dave Nicholson.
If I had the time, I would have read your article! 🙂
You obviously had a great time. Nice one.
Best wishes
Mike
http://www.mike-mott.com
Well, looks like you had a nice time, but a real break would have meant COMPLETE UNPLUG from the mobile eh? Is it possible? Yes, I have done it!
Best wishes.
Tony
Hey Tony,
Yeah, I know what you are saying, but I was only looking at personal stuff, even if it did lead me to creating an email!
What can I say, I enjoy my work! 🙂
Dave.
Hey Dave
Looks like an awesome break you had there mate!
Awesome you linked up with Soc too – that guy is ONE legend right? 🙂
Good point you make in your post though – taking breKS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY scheduling BREAKS IN YOUR MONTHLY PLAN is key isn’t it?
You feel more energised to return to woek, it’s just like the Friday feeling aint it? 🙂
I’m off on my scheduled break to the beer garden later – so until then, take it easy and great post!
Regards dude
Ray Johnson
@ Ray J
Hey Ray, sorry for the slow reply, damn spam filter!
Yeah Socrates is a great guy!
The beer garden is a good place for a break, I’ve had a few there too!
Take it easy dude,
Dave.
Hi Dave
You’re dead right about needing to take time out and it looks like you had a great time.
Cool pics…
cheers
Steve
Looks like you had a great time, Dave. And how unusual to see you with a pint in your hand, considering you’re not much of a drinker 😉
Px
Haha, cheers Paula!
I was forced into it … really! 🙂
Dave.
Hi Dave,
Well it looks like you had a fantastic holiday and survived the dunking….I mean water skiing. 😉
As far as I could tell, Dan did a great job for you…..Maybe you can afford to relax more often knowing things did not fall apart while you were partying.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Jay Mueller
JayLynne Enterprises
Hey Jay,
I tell you man, being dragged by a speed boat face down ‘aint nice, it MAKES you learn fast! 🙂
I don’t want to relax too much … I have loads to do!
Cheers,
Dave.
what a lovely place 🙂
Hey Steve,
Yeah, it was excellent thanks!
Cheers 🙂
Dave.
It’s OK, Dave, I was only pulling your leg, to see more in the next photo!!!
My Mum and Dad had a little code “DTTS” which meant “Don’t take too seriously” – so whenver they got a bit stroppy, they wouod remind each other!
Many thanks for your helpful stuff. I’ve just got MAC which looks AMAZING – those guys rock!
I’m serious about the Photo coaching, incidentally, happy to give personal tutorial time via Skype / phone each month…
Hey Tony,
I had to edit all the ‘juicy’ stuff 🙂
Yeah, apple is gonna rule the world one day!
Cheers for the photo offer, I’ll have a think about it!
Dave.
NOT APPLE MAC, I’m not that rich!
I meant the Mass Article Creator by Adeel C. 😉
http://www.massarticlecontrol.com
LOL – keep smiling!
Hi Dave,
Looks like a cool time , and like you said in the post you do need time away from business matters, to be refreshed and raring to go and with a recharged mind as the ideas flood the gates quicker and easier, as regards to Socrates i`m a member of his “Master Resell Fortune” membership site, and from what i have expieriened i find him a very genuine and nice bloke, as a matter of fact i find you all very genuine and very helpful nice set of people as well in the masterclass course ,inspirational !
Cheers for the post Dave…Ed.
maybe one day i can join you
That’s the way to ski! Water sports are the best! I live in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and I try to remember the paradise that I live in. I often get caught up in the struggle to create more and different income streams and forget to get out and play! Thanks for the inspiring post! I am watching you as you progress with your internet presence Dave and things are looking good. Keep it up!
Sincerely,
Dr. Lenny
Hi Dave,
What you did is “way” much better than a given advice from me to another marketer about how to escape from the computer and pay more attention to family – using a cook timer!
By the way, the above website is not my primary one. But it is exciting, though.
Best wishes to all,
PT
Hi Dave,
Great pics. I have been there (dragged through the water) when I was younger. I did manage to get up on the skis, eventually. Great thrill, until the boat decided to turn quickly causing me to go faster, and faster, and faster, until leaping through the air and crashing into the sea. On a serious note I find I have to have a change of environment at least twice per year. I do chill out, but, I also find new ideas creep into my head after a few days of doing very little and I cannot wait to get back to my computer, sad really. However, if I don’t get my breaks I become stale and my mind becomes a blank. To help me along my way I read “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. Here you will find life changing “Secret Summaries” such as:- “Create your day in advance by thinking the way you want it to go, and you will create your life intentionally” and “Like Aladins Genie, the law of attraction grants our every command”
Best wishes
Eddie
Some break, that was a holiday. When I have time to work on the computer I take a smoke break every 90 minutes to clear my head.
Hi Dave
Great Pics, lovely place…
Bet you were well chuffed to meet up with Socrates, wish i’d been there:(
Anyway matey, back to work like the rest of us,lol
You are right about having a break though..
Julie
Dave!
C’mon dude… Skiing involves snow.
What you are doing there is not called skiing.
It is called “Hanging on for dear life!”
🙂
Looks like you had a great time – I just got back
from Puerto Rico where we went horseback riding,
scuba diving, snorkeling, wave-running and a few
other things . .
It sure is good to get away for while. I agree completely!
Take Care!
O
Thanks for sharing a slice of your personal life and the rewards you’ve earned for hard work put in previously. Gives those of us still at the beginning of the journey some encouragement. Thanks also for the video sales pages; I’m about ready to try one out.
Regards
Trish
Hi Dave
Great message and a great reminder to everyone. My business growth really began to take off when I added play into my business on a regular basis. I highly recommend that everyone had FUN into their daily routine.
Karen
Hi Dave,
You are absolutely right about taking a break and having some down time to rejuvinate. Good on you. These pictures would go nice in a “flippin book” which is a free plug in from wordpress. Check out my blog http://www.iwillgrowrich.com for an example of one on me taking a break in Cuba–and with some beers! All the best!
Cindy
ps I will need your help soon for getting my website I purchased from you up and running efficiently, more specifically putting my aweber opt-in box in it. Thanks and talk to you soon!
Oh! great views love it!
Thanks for sharing with me your photos of your holidays, Dave.
I guess if you’ve established your business in IM successfully, you can afford the lifestyle of celebrities. Good on you Dave!
By the way, I am currently participating in Alex’ second coaching program, and bet if I could achieve success in this industry I will also be travelling there in Cyprus!
Cheers,
Nona
Fantastic mate, you look like you had a great time. I 100% agree that you simply have to take time out from the usual workload.
That reminds me, I’m off to Benidorm on the 25th and while I will have my iphone with me if I use it for work purposes the missus will throw it in the pool 🙂
You guys should all go to Vegas next week so I can buy you a drink.
(I mean a coke) LoL
@ John T – Lol, so you are not even gonna look at a single email or post? Wanna bet another pint? Have a good time though!
@ Nona – I’m sure with Alex’s help you will be there in no time at all!
@ Karen – Hey Karen, thanks for sharing.
@ Trish – Hey Trish, you are very welcome, I am pleased that I can help.
@ Omar – Lol, You’re not wrong there dude! I went to Puerto Rico a few years ago, great place! I remember my hotel was on top of what seemed like a mountain! So what’s wave running then? Running along the shore?
@ Earnloads – Yeah it was great to meet up with Socrates, he really is a great guy with a great outlook on business.
@ Normz – Hey Normz, that’s cool, a break is a break!
@ Eddie – Hey Eddie, Awesome, thanks for sharing.
@ Dr. Lenny – Hi Dr. Lenny, yeah, it just goes to show, even with paradise on your doorstep it is easy to overlook your break, take it easy!
@ Derek – Do you think you will be able to fit in my suitcase? 🙂
@ John E – Yeah you are dead right, there are some of us out there that really DO care! Cheers!
@ Tony – Lol, sorry, my bad! Yeah, mass article control really is excellent. 🙂
Hey Dave
Wow, my first blog visit here and seeing that great relaxing place. Sure leaves me with a good impression. Breaks are good for the soul….
Thanks for the refreshing moments,
Diz
@ Diz – Great to have you on board Diz, thanks for your comments!
@ Bob – I was exactly the same before I realized it did more harm than good! Do it sooner rather than later! Cheers!
@ John P – Yeah, I did too! 🙂
@ Newbie Traffic – Hey, that looks pretty damn cool, I think I’ll have to look into that! Cheers!
@ Tommy – I’m pleased the pics gave you a smile, at your age you can go a lot longer without breaks, get your head down! 🙂
@ Danny – Yeah, I had a blast on the jet ski’s too, awesome fun. Katie was a bit scared on the back though! Every time I go on those they seem to get faster!
@ Kathy – Hi Kathy, yeah, we all like new and refreshing stuff to sink our teeth into, keep working hard!
@ Martin – Edinbugh is an awesome place to visit and re-charge, the drive up there from down here in Durham is beautiful, whatever the weather! Take it easy!
Great advice Dave,
I usually wait too long before taking time off. I find myself not accomplishing anything because my mind can no longer concentrate. I probably waste so much time before I realize what is happening. I need to start scheduling specific times away from my desk.
Bob
Hi
Nice views special from you foot I still perfer the pint.
Good luck
John
Hi Dave,
Take up wakeboarding instead. Much more cool! :o)
Sam
Hey Dave,
Looks like you had a fab time, have to agree with the timeout being essential …..
I will need to plan some myself, but got the nose to the grindstone at the moment !
Your pics cheered me up today …….
Speak soon
Tommy 😉
Hi Dave
Great post, I’ve always wanted to go water skiing, I was on a jet Ski last year in Greece and had a quick trip on an banner boat as well, awesome fun…
I totally agree with you about taking time to relax, and recharge your batteries, I sometime never do it, but you hit the nail on the head, about you get a perspective on your business. for new ideas.
Thanks Dave
Danny
Thanks Dave for the enlightening post. And, the pics were simply awesome!\
I think I’ll be recharging my batteries real soon…I need to get rid of the old to make room for the new.
Well done Dave, true and nice post
I will head to Scottland end of August so I already make use of your advice. Hopefully, the weather will be a little bit nice… (Edinburgh Tattoo). You are soo right with the break! I did some uploading for 14 hours yesterday but am lazy today at our nice lake, just sun, bathing and good reading (not IM).
Also thanks a lot for the great graphics and website template Steve made for my ebook at work. Will stay in contact once the book is ready, so you can see yourself.
Have a great time – Sincerely
Martin
Hey Dave
Now thats so cool! This side of the world is a bit cold now, in a couple of months
time I will most probably follow your example.
Keep it up! You doing just fine!!
Chow
Hey Stanley,
Cheers mate, look forward to seeing your pics 😉
Dave.
Thank for the mention Dave, Cyprus looks cool, it’s been while since I was there a revisit in need I think:)
You are right in every way about all work and no play. As you know it the moment I have a lot going on with my new house but I will be in in 3 weeks and you are invited for a little house warming. I will have the Beers on ice as I know you are quite partial to a cold one!
No problem with the work you can repay the favour when I take my well earned break to Menorca to rest my bones and come back into the marketing game full strength ready to rock and roll. It feels like I have been on the moon for the last 6 months. Fresh ideas are created at times of r and r.
Cheers,
Dan
Hey Dan,
Yeah, if you go, I would maybe go at a cooler time of the year, it was mega hot when I was there … as you can see from my rock lobster impersonation! 🙂
I’ll look forward to you going away … Not!
It will be good to see you back on the scene dude!
Dave.
Hey Dave,
Great post!! For a long time I’ve always made sure I have downtime / fun time – and you’re totally right, it means you can come back refreshed and actually work hard.
I’m a great believer in work hard / play harder!
Iain.
PS – Cheers for the great Widlink creation that we’ve got from MWA 2.0!
Hey Iain,
That sounds like a great foundation to build upon! 🙂
You are very welcome for Widlink.
Dave.
Good post Dave, everyone needs to take breaks – glad to see you had a good time on holiday. I always take regular breaks, every day, and they consist of running in the local countryside. I know it sounds weird, but after a run I am always energised with new ideas and positive thoughts….It’s cheaper than holidays as well. 🙂 Keep up the good work.
John
Hey John,
I do the very same thing! I’m off for a run with the wife later tonight … In the rain!
Cheers,
Dave.
Hey Dave
Caught your name in the Alex Jeffreys Class forum, sure glad I did. What a great blog you have here.
You are exactly on target about taking breaks. Even if it is just getting up out of the desk chair and looking out the window for a few minutes it helps to refresh the mind and get the blood flowing back into the feet.
There was a time that I would work the whole day without ever considering taking a break. I just wore myself out. Now I work like crazy, take a break then work some more. I get twice a much done. You have given people some great valuable advice.
Thomas
Hey Thomas,
Thanks for stopping by!
Yeah man, exactly right there, it does not have to be a full on Holiday, just a break from your routine!
If stretching your legs and saking in some scenery helps you relax, then that’s great!
Cheers for your comment.
Dave.
Good looking website!! Lots of nice content. I am a student of Alex’s Jeffreys in his current 2.0 class. Keep up the good work!
Lee
@Lee – Cheers mate, you too! 🙂
@Peter – Thanks, call in anytime!
@Andrew – You hit the nail on the head there mate, yeah, talk soon!
@Svenja – Yeah, you don’t know how lucky you are to be living in such a nice place! I’ll make sure I video my next attempt, so you can have a laugh at it! 🙂
@ Wakas – Cool! Hope you had a great time!
Thanks for sharing guys!
Dave.
Hi Dave,
You know, you are so right. Your business will suffer if you don’t make some time for rest and recuperation.
For a start off, if you make time to relax a little, two things happen. Firstly, your body gets the actual rest it needs and secondly, but perhaps more importantly, you will often come up with some of your best ideas, when your brain is in this ‘relaxed’ mode.
When you’re so busy that you’re just chasing your tail and completing tasks, your mind simply hasn’t got the time or energy to be creative. Take some to relax and see how those ideas just seem to pop into your head.
Hope to speak soon,
Andrew.
Hi Dave,
Goodness, everyone had a lot to add here! Looks like you had a great vacation while the rest of us (meaning the MC students) were stewing over more class material 🙂 Oh, well, I am not complaining … at least I am living in sunny California so although there is NO ocean … the pool is just a few steps away …
Thank you for sharing the details of your trip! It was fun watching you try out water skiing 🙂
Many Thanks,
Svenja
Cool stuff dave.. just myself got back from Geiranger in Norway.. the fjords were WOW .. and I am sure you enjoyed your time as well 🙂
tons of fun
wakas
Hi Dave,
Man, I’m jealous.
I went to Cyprus about 10 years ago (not my last break!), and the picture of you and Socrates enjoying a beer , looked so much like a bar I was in when we stayed in Protaras….but I guess many bars in Cyprus look the same, need to get back there next year!
I have to agree with you about taking time out, essential. I’ve been off this week, but look, back to it 🙂
Thanks for sharing the photos, inspired me even more to get back to sunny Cyprus!
Take care
Sean
Hey Sean,
The bar in Protaras was called Rockafellas, it was a sports bar with nice lager! 😉
I would defo recommend a trip there, it was great!
I am pleased the post helped you.
Cheers,
Dave.
I can’t believe that Adeel
sold 2500+ copies of Mass Article Submission in such a short time,
He made more then 160k in like 1-2 weeks,
He offered incredible value!
Yeah, he actually sold over 5,000 copies, that was about a week ago, so you can bet it’s going to be closer to 10,000 copies now!
Excellent product!
Hey Dave:
man you have a comment party going here! QWay cool. I’ll be sure to feature your blog in my next ustream episode of “Blog Traffic Getting with Thomas” 🙂 – check my blog…
On the subject: The best concept I’ve heard AND tried and it worked well for me is to plan “focus” days, “buffer” days and “free” days. I try to make it so I have 3 focus days, 2 buffer days and 2 free days each week.
It helps a lot to plan for recreation and make it so you don’t feel guilty about it.
Cheers,
Thomas
Dave,
Reminds me of my last time in Barbados. I’ve been on several holidays since,
but it was Barbados that has me taking body surfing to a whole new level of
sea water consumption if you know what I mean.
When not in the water, the pain of my sun burn just about killed me too.
But it was FUN..
Cheers,
Rob
Yeah Dave,
Looking at your photos I think I need a good break too. All the work and coaching to catch up from Alex is choking me right now…….
Huddson
Dave,
So true is your post, its been nearly a year before I had my last week off from work. I need to schedule more vacation in the coming year to recharge the human batteries.
Richard
Hi Dave,
My trip to Las Vegas with the Alex crew was my first proper break, and I absolutely loved it!
You’re right about time off being important to be able to focus properly on your work when you return, otherwise you just hit a wall & never seem to get anything done.
I will certainly be making the effort to schedule more holidays in – will you be making it to Alex’s 2nd seminar in Vegas?
Thanks,
Nikki
Hey Nikki,
Yeah, I heard all about the Vegas trip, I was gutted I could not be there.
Not sure if I will be at the next one yet, still got multiple projects on the go!
Talk soon,
Dave.
Hey Dave,
Pics look great, i understand what you mean when you said take one step forward and two steps back. I seem to be putting in the hours with very little results.
I think ill go and book flights now.
Take care
Nick
Hey Nick,
Yeah, get some chill out time sorted, sounds like you need it!
Dave.
Hi Dave
Great pics looking real relaxed in most, apart from the one were u look as if your drowning, lol.
Good to see you got the sun.
And I hope you and Socrates wur only talking about Cyprus, I bet not, lol
Take Care
Graeme
Hi Graeme,
Cheers, I got a bit too much sun!
Yeah, me and Socrates never really mentioned busines … well, not much! 🙂
Dave.