February is a harsh month for many of us. But coaching can help put things into perspective by placing things within a larger context. It can be good to have a theme for a year or every month to help us get perspective. This year is what is called a Shmita year. In Leviticus 25, we read that God ordered the Israelites to let the land lay fallow, release debts, resolve disputes, and open their hands to the needy every seven years. In modern times, this sabbatical year can be a time of rest, renewal, and transformation. Even the word “February” means to cleanse and symbolizes new life, transformation, and change.
Sometimes we need a Sabbath.
Many of us will insist that we are way too busy to slow down or reflect. However, it’s crucial to set aside enough time to stay in touch with what we are truly meant to do. This concept of Sabbath grounds us and keeps us on track. This year may be a year to be less frantic and more purposeful about our life and business. We are actually more effective by honoring the Sabbath (whether on a Saturday or Sunday) because we are rested and renewed. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “The meaning of Sabbath is to celebrate time rather than space. Six days a week, we live under the tyranny of things of space; on the Sabbath, we try to become attuned to holiness in time.”
- Many of my business clients work seven days a week (I did for years). They insist they can’t take a day off. I suggest starting with even just one hour of doing something relaxing while not looking at your computer or cell phone. Getting this time of rest and renewal allows you to function more effectively when you go back to work. Some larger companies allow sabbaticals (time off from work outside normal PTO) as a benefit for upper-level management. The Academy to Innovate HR reports the following benefits of a sabbatical:Less stress
- Increased psychological resources, health, and energy
- Increased well being, even after returning to work
- An opportunity to test your succession plan to see how employees do in your absence
- Preparedness for your future absences
Although we’ve discussed the benefits of a sabbatical for a large company, this can apply to a small business owner. The goal of the small business class I teach is to develop your business so that you can take even a relatively long vacation without everything falling apart. You have to ask yourself how your business will ever get to that point if you can’t even take one whole day off a week! As a coach, I help people put systems and procedures in place that allow their businesses to run even when they aren’t there.
Start small before you go big.
February is the perfect month to practice “mine” sabbaticals. Start with one hour and work your way up to a whole day. It’s necessary to have this time to get back in touch with who you really are and what you stand for in order to renew yourself. When we get too busy and stressed, we lose control and wonder what the point ever was to begin with. Wayne Muller, the author of Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives, says, “Like a path through the forest, Sabbath creates a marker for ourselves, so if we are lost, we can find our way back to our center.”
It’s easy to get lost in the fast pace of our chaotic world. February can be your time to remember your values and why you went into business in the first place. Noah Gentry, owner of Platinum Lawn and Design in Buffalo, Missouri (417-770-3781 or noahgentry01@gmail.com), has used this time to reaffirm why he started his lawn service. Noah stands for ownership, leadership, passion, quality, and client relationships. Noah has always enjoyed being outdoors. It’s his passion to make your yard look its best. He enjoys the satisfaction of turning a messy yard into “what a good yard should look like.” Noah restores his clients’ dignity and pride in their property. I would know; Noah is my grounds manager! Let him save you from yourself, so you can focus on your business and even take a sabbatical yourself.
Michael Gerber, small business guru and author of, The E Myth Revealed, says of the business owner, “The business becomes a symbol for the life they wish to live, a visible manifestation of who they are and what they believe.” A brief sabbatical got me back in touch with the purpose of my vacation rental. Long hours had made it become a “noose around my neck.” I needed a few days off to remember its original purpose. I had named it “Sabbath Sojourn.” I knew that I needed to restore it to be a restful place for both my guests and me. I took my own advice, listed it with a management platform, and use Devin Cannon with Cannon Cleaning (417-241-8068) as the onsite manager.
It’s important to remember that no matter what you do, finding time to truly unplug and rest is critical to keep moving forward successfully. If you need help finding time to rest, let’s chat! I can help coach you to find what your Sabbath rest can look like.
P.S. If you find yourself needing a sabbatical, consider booking Sabbath Sojourn for a few days away!
