As a business leader, the very idea of doing nothing may seem unprofessional, even crazy. After all, how will you get things done by simply sitting back and doing nothing?
The reality is, sometimes the pressure of running a business is so overwhelming that it hinders your ability to think clearly and make sound business decisions.
Clearing your schedule and taking time off can actually help you think better.
Here’s what it can do for you:
1. It Helps You Avoid Impulse Decision-Making
Impulse decision-making can be dangerous for business leaders. While it’s true that many decisions must occur quickly for your business to remain competitive, it’s also true that these decisions require solid information and a sound mind. Taking some time away can help you see the bigger picture and make better choices for your company.
2. It Helps You Refuel and Recharge
Oprah Winfrey once said, “If you neglect to recharge a battery, it dies. And if you run full-speed ahead without stopping for water, you lose momentum to finish the race.” You may think that by doing nothing, your business will fail. The reality is that if you continuously run full speed ahead without taking time off to refuel and recharge, you will likely run out of speed at the most inopportune time.
3. It Helps You Become More Self Aware
Stepping outside of the office and putting your daily demands on hold gives you time to think and reevaluate your goals, purpose and mission. Taking time to update your short- and long-term goals may solve some of your business issues and help you prioritize what’s really important.
4. It Helps You Develop Creativity
It’s amazing how much clearer things look when you step back from the hustle and bustle. In fact, a new setting has a unique way of inspiring creativity. This is why so many companies take their leadership team on regular retreats. These companies use the time away from the office to strategize inventive ways to grow the company and solve current business issues.
5. It Helps You Attain Better Focus
Doing nothing gives you time to calm your mind and focus on the issues at hand. Social entrepreneur Bryant McGill says it best, “Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax.” If you want to overcome the challenges facing your business, you must relax both your body and your mind.
Companies know there are numerous benefits of time away from the office. That’s why many offer their employees some form of personal time off (PTO). Studies show that when done right, PTO can boost productivity and reduce unscheduled absenteeism.
Lastly, if you’re engaging in doing nothing while with a client or business partner, you might find the camaraderie strengthened and any strain will be reduced.
Try it next time you have a seemingly unsolvable issue.
Brandon Vallorani is a practiced entrepreneur and accomplished CEO, author of The Wolves and the Mandolin (ForbesBooks; 2017), and third generation Italian-American.
Founder of a media conglomerate recognized on the Inc. 5000 for five consecutive years, Brandon sold to a colleague in the business, and has more recently shifted focus to his other entrepreneurial endeavors.
Vallorani Estates offers hand-curated luxury products for those who celebrate life’s privileges, and a number of ventures run through his consulting business Romulus Marketing.
Vallorani graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, and began his career in the non-profit sector. He quickly rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President in a few short years, simultaneously earning his Master of Business Administration from Thomas More College.
He lives in Metro-Atlanta, with his wife with whom he shares seven children, a son-in-law, and a grandson. In his free time, Brandon enjoys playing in casinos around the country, his three dogs, and learning Italian.