Yes You CAN!!!

About two months ago, I was introduced to the concept of Time OFF. It seemed like a nice concept, but not a realistic one in my life as an entrepreneur, wife and mother with a crazy travel schedule, etc. etc. For example, I am writing this post on a plane to Denver, where I am going for the day and then returning to Phoenix (where I just arrived last night!). Time OFF was not to be for me. How could I ever make it happen? Well, I will tell you a secret – I have found the time every week for the last month and it has made a HUGE difference for me…

Let me step back a moment. Not only was I introduced to “Time OFF,” I was introduced to the concepts of “Time IN” and “Time ON.” Simple words (and ideas), but seemingly impossible to put into practice. Time IN and Time ON are directly linked to your business and life, and how you manage and balance them. If you want to know more about these ideas please email me and I will fill you in. But, for today, I want to focus on Time OFF!

Let’s start with a definition, Time OFF is simply pre-planned time for you to focus on you. To think, pamper yourself, exercise, read a book – anything but work, errands, kids, etc.

I know that December is a crazy month, with more things to do and more pressure than normal. But I also know the antidote to stress is to actually schedule Time OFF. You will find that just a couple of scheduled free hours may be all it takes to recharge your batteries. If you can do it now, you will set the stage for a very different year in 2014! I know that so many of my friends and clients are running on empty after a long 2013 – I hear it in their voices and see it behind their smiles. Time OFF is my prescription.

So in this month of planning and present buying and wrapping up the year, I am asking that you look at your calendar and schedule some Time OFF. What you do is up to you. It truly is a personal CHOICE. For me, I know that after a bunch of traveling and hosting Thanksgiving with all our kids and parents around, Time OFF is essential for me. After everyone left for home or school, I planned 3 to 4 hours of nothing… with no expectations, no judgement and no guilt about what I could or SHOULD be doing. NOTHING!!!! I have found that I am amazingly rejuvenated when I take Time OFF on a regular basis (even an hour really helps!) and that I am much more effective in the rest of my life. I work smarter, have more clarity and get more done in less time.

I know you are probably thinking, “yeah, yeah, yeah… might work for you but not for me.” I can relate because that is what I thought, and I resisted trying out the idea for a month. I was used to always being busy. I felt guilty about my “to do” list. I loved my life and what I did every day – so why did I need Time OFF??? Well, it turned out that the answer is, I needed to unplug. We all need to recharge! Aren’t we constantly recharging our electronics? You wouldn’t dream of traveling without a charger, right? Maybe it is the same for us….

So I challenge you to look at your schedule, make the decision to truly recharge, and plug in a bit of Time OFF right now!!!

Are you up for the challenge? I hope so, and would love to hear what you discover.

Here’s to you!!!!!

To learn more about Deborah and how she can help you, please visit http://ingredientsforabalancedlife.com/