This may seem like a strange title for a blog article, so let me begin by saying, I’m currently in Hawaii on a business retreat
I’ve shared with you a number of times how I like to get away from everything at least twice a year to spend time focusing on the strategic growth of my business. I’m working on making that 3 – 4 times a year. (Watch this space).
Taking time out does wonders for me, and for my business. It gives me the opportunity to pause and realign with the vision of what my business is all about. As the saying goes, it’s about taking the time to work ON my business rather than IN it.
Being so far away from home and office also means I have some personal down time too. For someone who passionately loves to travel, this is a real treat. I get such a thrill from discovering new places and cultures, that alone completely shifts my perspective and clears my thinking.
Then there is the learning aspect of any seminar, conference or retreat. Even if you know the material that is being delivered, hearing it again in a different setting, at a different time, with a different mindset, can put it into a new context that will benefit your business.
Being open to knowledge is one of the most proactive things you can do if you want your business to grow and succeed.
I have been reading “Managing with Aloha; Bringing Hawaii’s Universal Values to the Art of Business” by Rosa Say
It’s a very good read, I have no hesitation in recommending it. (I’ll pop the link at the end of this article)
The premise behind the book is to incorporate Hawaiian values into business in a way that builds a business that aligns it’s actions and behaviours with higher values. By aligning the values to actual action items it changes the value driven mission statement and makes it an actuality. Too often, vision & mission statements align with values theoretically, but they never really translate into those actions that drive a business on a daily basis.
There are nineteen values discussed in the book, many of them resonated with me, but one in particular stood out for me right now.
“Ike Loa” – the value of learning; “be long on knowledge.” Seek knowledge proactively and as nourishment, for new knowledge is the food for mind, heart and soul.”
I agree wholeheartedly!
Continuous improvement and ongoing learning is a vital key in the success of any business. You have to keep improving, evolving, and learning if you want the vision for your business to grow and evolve, and to become a reality.
One of the best ways you can do that is to take time out for yourself. As business owner you’re the one steering the ship, you’re also the one who has to work below deck if needs be. Taking that time to get away from it all will let you clear your head so you make strategic plans for your business. It will also give you a chance to personally take a deep breath, to just pause and recharge your batteries.
Perpetual learning is very close to my heart, in both my personal and business life. I make it a point to get away at least a few times a year. It’s not always easy, and I do second guess myself at times. There’s so much going on I can’t see how I can step away right now…
And then I do.
So far, I have only found benefits in taking this time out to work on the bigger picture of my business.
How do you work ON your business? I’d love to hear how you get out of the details and into the bigger strategy.
Leave a comment below and let me know, I’d love to hear from you.
Ho’omaika’i Ke La! (Make your day great)
Alison
The link to: “Managing with Aloha; Bringing Hawaii’s Universal Values to the Art of Business” by Rosa Say