Take 5

I have worn myself down to barely nothing. I am literally so tired there are body parts and muscles beginning to hurt from stress that I didn't even know I had. No matter how many vitamins I take, or coffee I drink I still feel tired and physically ill. My father, who is an entrepreneur, used to take vacations often. I don't mean the kind you drag your entire family on to see the worlds largest frying pan, but the kind where you leave everyone and everybody at home and at the office and take a few days to decompress. I didn't get it then, but he seemed to always be at the top of his game. If a contract was too stressful, or a client too demanding, he would take an early sabbatical. He has been telling me for years the importance of taking care of my physical and emotional state. Until now, I never really saw how it connected to business. In my opinion, I always thought it took away from business because you utilized funds and resources that could be reinvested back into the business to create further production. 

As an entrepreneur, I'm certain you are having the same challenges we all have in the beginning, how do I duplicate myself so that I can further the vision of the company? Well while you are still searching for your dopple ganger, you should take the very best care of the only one version of you. I have been away from the office for nearly 3 weeks now with trying to prepare for this move. I find myself sitting in the middle of madness that once was my family room, trying to figure out what to pack next. It would all be so much easier if I were taking everything with me, but half my belongings are going into storage, and only half are coming with me. While packing I have to make a decision of what can I live without for 6 months. I would like to take a week off once the move is complete and we are finally settled in our new temporary home, however because of the time I've already taken off from my business I can't afford to do so. I am not at my best, nor am I effective when I'm this tired, so what do I do? 

Really, what do I do? I haven't figured out all the answers yet. Part of me says to take the week off and come back with more energy and even stronger than before, while the other part of me says to hit it hard now, and play longer later. There are no guaranties in life and especially business. I find myself starting from scratch with my leeds, and combing the newspapers trying to locate a company that can't afford not to hire me. There's so much to do, but I'm still learning that it doesn't all have to get done right now. "Calgon, take me away"..... but-bring-me back-in-time-to-call-my-potential-clients-so-I-can-get-a-contract. 

Help! What do I do? I have $500 in a reserve account. I need new business cards and brochures which will cost me $150. A 3 day mini vacation will cost me $395 or I could wait until the end of September when it will cost me $150 to stay at Camp Pendleton's beach front cottages for 4 days. Or I can work hard now, get a couple of contracts within 90 days, and take a 7 day cruise at the end of 90 days.