Downtrepreneur: An entrepreneur who exercises their right to downtime.
Okay, it isn’t the official dictionary definition because the word doesn’t exist, but you get the gist. Sadly, too many businessmen and women miss the point regarding hard work. They hear about Bezos and Zuckerberg and Buffett putting in 100- hour shifts and assume they have to follow suit. But, to presume this is, to gloss over the small details.
What makes successful men and women different is their ability to use their time effectively. And, being able to relax and take a break is as important as being productive from 9-5. With that in mind, below are some of the ways you can use your downtime effectively.
Go On Vacation
First and foremost, it’s essential to make time to relax. You might like to cash in your vacation days at the end of the year, but that’s a very 18th-century factory work mindset. Grafting for 365 days is commendable, yet it leads to problems from fatigue to flat out burnout and even illness. Because there is no time to sleep or rest, the immune system breaks down. Going on holiday, even if it’s only a week by the beach, will allow you to recharge your batteries and come back to work refreshed and ready to be productive.
Work Out
Not everybody has the luxury of a two-week vacation. Some of you will need to work as hard without being able to take a long break. Welcome to the rat race, ladies and gentlemen. In this case, it’s crucial that you find a workaround, a way to experience downtime without going off the grid for days on end. Exercise is the perfect method because it helps you eliminate stress and tension. Although it may not feel like it when you’re doing it, pounding the treadmill is actually quite cathartic. Always make time for a session at least three times a week.
Get Back Online
Downtime doesn’t only refer to the periods when you’re off the clock; it’s a term to describe waste. Businesses that aren’t online experience downtime and it’s similar to throwing money down the toilet. While your business is offline, there is no way to maximize sales and conversions and make a profit. In a scenario such as this, it’s essential to find a solution. Managed services tend to work well because they utilize experts. The trick is to splash out for a team rather than an individual so that someone is on call 24/7.
Read
Reading has taken a hit in popularity since the dawn of the technological era. People seemingly prefer to watch TV and catch up on the latest series rather than flicking through a book. What we often forget is that reading is a form of education. Take in the words on the page and your intellect will grow because books contain knowledge. Even if they aren’t industry-related, the process will boost your vocabulary which will come in handy in meetings..
The secret to it all is… to have fun. Without enjoyment, your downtime will be a dud regardless.
