When I started Main Accounting Services in June of 2016, I remember spending pretty much every waking hour working on and in the business. This is not unusual for business owners when they are in startup mode. But after a couple of years, I realized the long hours were taking a toll – physically and mentally – and I needed help. I hired a business coach, and one of the first things I said to him was, “I just want to be able to take a day off!”
We focused on building my confidence around delegating responsibilities to others – something I was really reticent to do. With his guidance, I started hiring team members and taking a day off here and there. Fast forward to July of 2024 – when I managed to take three weeks off!
I assume you’re aware of the benefits of taking a break.
They range from reducing stress and the risk of heart attack to boosting your energy level, focus, and motivation. However, you may not realize that the long-term impact of not taking a break can go beyond compromised health and relationships: the resulting burnout and loss of productivity can be detrimental to your business.
One of the things I typically discuss with clients is how much involvement they have in the day-to-day of running their firms. It surprises me how many of them think they can’t take time off. What is less surprising: a common reason is that, like me, they don’t trust things to run smoothly in their absence.
Give your team the opportunity to prove they can manage the day-to-day.
For me, the key to taking time off without feeling I was putting my business at risk has been hiring team members that I know can handle things without me.
I’ll be honest – it was nerve-wracking at first. But developing a solid team and strong company culture has not only helped the business thrive, it has allowed me to cut back on my hours and really focus on areas of the business that I enjoy – like business development. Accountants are not typically trained in sales, but meeting with prospective clients and offering solutions to improve their practice is an area I have come to love.
For many business owners, taking time off will always be challenging – but a vacation doesn’t have to be lengthy to be beneficial. I encourage you to carve out time to recharge your batteries. Block your calendar. Set up a vacation responder on your email and do not check messages. Shut off the phone. And trust that your team, your clients, and your business will reap the benefits. As my friend Martha Yasso of Yasso Books told me, “I took a two-week break and found sanity!”
Main Accounting Services specializes in increasing the success and profitability of growing law firms by providing insightful information, accurate and timely reports, and financial explanations that are individually customized to meet your needs.
We understand the challenges and importance of solid trust accounting procedures and workflow, and ensure your trust accounting is in compliance with your state bar regulations. Get the peace of mind that comes with hiring experienced professional partners to assist with all of your accounting functions. Click here to schedule a consultation.