The hardest thing to do for any business owner or entrepreneur who loves what they do is to take time off from their business.  So this is my fourth small business tip in the series:

KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO GET AWAY FROM “THE MACHINE” AND DO IT!

Nobody loves your business as much as you do and no one is going to work it as hard as you do, but it is absolutely essential to understand that everyone needs a day off – including yourself.

You can start with one day per week and use it to invest in a hobby.  Go shooting, sleep in, do underwater basket weaving, or sky dive naked…whatever it is,  just take some time away from the Blackberry, Mac, Twitter, WordPress, Typepad, YouTube, sales process, customers, and anything else that has to do with your business.

It will benefit you in so many ways including:

1) Recharging your batteries and giving you the ability to make better decisions and improve your performance.  People make stupid mistakes when they are tired or running on empty. I know I do, and it ends up costing me more in terms of time and money than getting out of the office for a bit.  And when you have depleted your energy you don’t work efficient either.

2) Relieving stress and improving your health.  Lets face it…having thoughts of drinking alcohol through the barrel of a shotgun because your clients have pushed you over the edge like Thelma and Louise just isn’t going to benefit anyone.  People snap and time away from the trenches can save your sanity and possibly your life.

Other reasons to get the heck out of dodge for a bit:

• Strengthening your marriage and family life
• Building relationships with other people
• Exercising to stay in shape
• Keeping up with the world outside of business

As a person who was shackled to my desk for years because I just didn’t think it was possible to leave people waiting or to have work undone, it will really make your life better to understand that your business will be there when you get back, and that there may be no tomorrow anyways.  So go ahead and go fishing today!