I was very tempted to not share a Rayner Reckons this week. The reason is I have actually put aside two weeks for a short break. I know for many of my clients, the idea of taking a break or having a short holiday is just that, an idea!
Now I'm running my own business, I understand the pressure felt by farmers and other business owners to focus on the jobs to be done; the projects that are on going and the issue of being able to actually afford some time off. There are plenty of reasons to put off a break.
So I know there are plenty of reasons not to take a break. I've got plenty of exciting projects happening and I'm loving working with a range of clients. Its easy to focus on the job. But, I also remember a few years ago during a long drought period, a farmer I knew told me how he had not left the farm in four months. I saw him at a seminar and dinner in Armidale. He was telling me how great it was just to be away from the place. How it was so monotonous and draining. I really felt he was struggling with everything, and the weekend away really changed his outlook.
Now I know a weekend is only short. But I do know how easy it is to become exhausted by work. Being exhausted is no joke. You make poor decisions, you build bad habits and you become careless.
In our industry you can't afford the risk of creating bad habits or getting careless. A simple mistake can lead to physical injury, or can contribute to poor decisions in regard to your business management or in regards to your livestock.
So in actual fact taking a break is essential. You need to get a chance to re focus and refresh and recover from the demands of work.
Thats why companies make their employees take a break each year.
As self employed business operators, we have to be a bit more disciplined and focus on taking a break for our own safety and for the well being of our business.
Two days isn't really enough for a proper break. In my case after three days, I'm checking emails and even on a stroll near the beach today I was looking at some clover and then I started thinking about bloat management, before considering why cape weed was kicking on so well in that particular area. So I reckon it will take a few days to properly switch off!
But I am also gaining a sense of perspective. I'm feeling more refreshed and I know after a break I will be in a position to give complete attention to my job without bad habits possibly developing!
So if you are in the position where your last break was so long ago you can't remember it, or if you have not left the farm in months, ask yourself;
What bad habits have you developed?
What short cuts are you taking?
Are you making clear and balanced decisions?
If you're in that position, I reckon it's a great idea to take a break. It will be the best thing you can do for yourself and for your business.
Im going to enjoy my break and then I'm excited about getting back into it afterwards!