All Work and No Play...or Why Everyone Needs to Invest in a Fallow Season

KEY #5: REWARD YOURSELF

Everyone works to receive rewards, whether they know it or not. The rewards can be money, free time, or a special treat. But oftentimes as a small business owner we may be so wrapped up in making sure that our business survives the day-to-day grind that we neglect to do that which would motivate us to continue. And that can grind us to a halt. Why work hard and not get a reward? Entrepreneurs work tirelessly for years because they know that they’ll be rewarded one day with riches (possibly) and freedom (most definitely) to do what they want, when they want.

So when is this reward going to come?

We have been talking about how motivating goals and organization can be personally and professionally…but sometimes the motivation should be from outside instead. Rewards motivate people to achieve more to receive more. Small business owners will always have to work hard, but all work and no play is a huge mistake. Your motivation will soon begin to fall if you never take any time away from the demands of running the business.

So why not reward yourself for big and small accomplishments? When you create a goal for yourself, don't be shy about creating a reward to compliment it.

Did you plow through that catalog mailing in record time? Take a walk through Pfiffner Park.
Were you able to return all the emails that have piled up in your inbox? Sounds like a trip to Emy J's for coffee is in order.
Did you close the big five figure deal with a client you have been chasing, like, forever? Great! There's a table with your name on it at the Silver Coach.

Remember to keep the reward proportionate to your accomplishment. But do practice rewarding yourself regularly.

So, plan frequent rewards for yourself. No, it doesn't need to be a trip to Hawaii (although this is a great idea......and if you are going, can I come, too?). Your reward can be as simple as a lunch out with an old friend, a movie with your significant other, an afternoon of shopping or a relaxing massage.

Speaking of massage....Our expert perspective today is from Allen Musch of Inner Element Massage. One way to reward yourself or a colleague would be with massage but also the reward of relaxation techniques to increase your overall well being has its rewards as well. I asked Allen to share with us some of the rewards that he finds motivating.

Allen Musch first wondered how I knew that rewards and motivation are something very important to him. (Note to Al: I have been listening!). Allen says that there is no better way to reward himself after achieving a goal than to relax and unwind with his friends, family and loved ones. Just kicking back and watching a movie can be all the revitalization that he needs. But Allen has also been working really hard as he goes back to college at UWSP. This has been a challenging semester for him, but he has made a deal with himself...if he finishes out the semester strong (and with weather outside like today that can be harder than it sounds!) then he plans a big reward...a week in Yellowstone later this summer.

It sounds like Allen is well on his way to that vacation. Way to go, Al!

If your budget and time will allow, take a few days off for a short trip or simply schedule a vacation from work for a few days. Make it a real vacation -- even if you don't leave town -- so no checking email, voice mail or the fax machine. Add to that the Facebook, Twitter and blogroll addiction you have contracted. That little stipulation might be the most crucial part of the equation no matter where you go. (And oftentimes the hardest to resist).

But if your budget or business doesn't allow an actual physical, break-me-out-of-the-funny-farm escape, why not take one that is free and allows you to stay right at home?

Free...you say? I like things that are free!

A fellow Wisconsin writer friend of mine named Lance has a blog called The Jungle of Life that I follow. Coincidentally, today Lance wrote about taking a mental vacation. That type of reward goes so well with the theme for this week. Essentially, Lance did in fact go away with his family to a new locale to sample the sights and sounds and culture of a new place, but was surprised that it also prompted him to take a detour inside himself. This virtual vacation allowed his mind to travel to new thoughts and sample new possibilities...and was just as powerful a rejuvenator as the actual destination that he traveled to with his family.

I like to call that fallow season. You know when farmers leave a field alone for a time? It gives the soil a rest and allows the natural process of creation and potential to take hold so that when it is time to grow again, there is something there to feed the seeds.

You need to get away, unwind and renew yourself from time to time. Don't think that you don't. It sounds corny (no farming pun intended), but if you take the time to reward yourself, even just a little, you will come back to your business with a new sense of motivation. This "fallow season" to regenerate will help improve your attitude, perspective and outlook. It will help you plant new seeds and prepare yourself for the next big thing that is waiting to grow.

After all, you deserve it.

(And I totally deserve the two hour massage I have pending with Al tomorrow!)

Working Words of Wisdom:
"The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your environment; it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone."
~ Orison Swett Marden