How Unplugging & Spending Time With His Family Can Improve Your Productivity

Years ago, I was a hopeless workaholic.

Even just 2 years ago, the thought of going on a holiday would actually stress me out.

I didn’t want to be away from my business. At all. On the plane, at the hotel, on the beach… it didn’t matter where I put myself, my head was always still in my business.

I just couldn’t unplug.

Now… let’s just say a lot has changed in the past 2 years.

I’ve been the most productive I’ve ever been in business… but I’ve only worked half the amount I used to.

I’m not kidding. I work 2 days a week. Yet my business is growing at 200% per annum.

Most importantly, I’m spending more time than ever with my family, my friends, and doing the things that I love.

The best part? The more time I spend away from my business, the more productive I get. What’s more, the more I ‘unplug’ from the day-to-day, the more the business actually grows without me.

This may seem like a pipe dream to some of you reading this.

I remember that when I was working 50+ hours a week, the thought of stepping back to achieve more seemed so unachieveable it almost seemed ridiculous.

But I’m living proof that it can be done… but it takes doing things a bit differently. Because to paraphrase Einstein, you cannot achieve a different result by repeating things that don’t work.

Now, I’m not saying you should simply walk away one day and expect everything to miraculously work without you. There are systems and processes you need to install in your business so that it can operate without you. But the more you focus on navigating yourself out of your business, the better off you are in every way.

How unplugging can benefit you

Have you ever had a great idea in the shower? Or in the car? Or just when you’re falling asleep?

The best ideas often come to us when we’re actually ‘unplugged’.

When we’re enjoying down-time, leisure time, or creative time.

Because it’s in this free mental space that our minds can roam. Our brains put together new ideas. And we operate on a level we simply cannot when our minds are highly regulated, such as at a task-based job.

Multiple research studies confirm that down-time makes business owners and employees alike more productive and engaged in their work.

More importantly, when we unplug we’re more present in the world around us.

Have you ever been to a kids sports game and noticed the parents that are on their phones, taking calls and posting on social media? They’re missing out on the experience that’s in front of them. Sadly, they’re missing out on memories.

Nobody lies on their deathbed wishing they responded to their emails earlier. They wish they enjoyed the important experiences in life more.

So, how to get started?

Our Top Tips On How To Improve Productivity by Unplugging

Think of your life as a pie. Each slice is a compartment of the whole - health, spirituality, family, business, personal development, and so on.

When your focus is on one slice of the pie at the expense of the rest, you suffer. Spreading your energy to other slices helps nourish your entire pie. So you’re happier, healthier, more productive.

Here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Tip 1: Set clear boundaries

We teach others how to treat us. If you pick up your phone after hours for clients or staff, you’re teaching them that you’re available for them at any time.

I used to be guilty of this. I would make myself available whenever a client called. Sadly, even when I was playing with my kids in the park.

Eventually I felt so trapped, because my business had closed in all around me. But I had created this environment myself.

So set clear boundaries around your time, and how you use it. Communicate these clearly, and protect them.

Tip 2: Audit your time

Spend a couple of weeks tracking the tasks you do in your business. You’ll start to notice patterns and ‘time holes’ where you waste time doing things you really don’t need to be doing.

Delegate or outsource those tasks to an employee or external contractor (such as a Virtual Assistant). Stop doing the tasks that aren’t getting you where you want to go.

Aim to only be doing the high-level tasks that only you as the leader of your business should be doing. Also aim to be doing things that you love doing in your business… because you’ll be super-productive at those tasks.

Tip 3: Create systems

Everything in life runs on a system. Trains. Television. Supermarkets. The seasons. Even our bodies.

Putting in the right systems will allow your business to run without you. Because when your employees know exactly what they need to be doing, and why they need to do it, you don’t need to be there managing every little thing.

When your business’ systems aren’t working (or don’t even exist), you’re tied to your business. Essentially, you’ve got a job.

Clearly documented systems set you free from managing tasks. So you can step out of the business and start spending more time on the visionary functions you need to steer your business into the future.

Next steps…

If you’re working too many hours and spending your days putting out fires in your business, it’s time to start doing things differently, don’t you think?

At The Game Changers, our methodology has helped 100s of business owners across multiple industries systemise their business and boost staff productivity. So they can start earning more, get back their time, and love being in business again.

Our unique approach means that we not only give you the strategies and tools to successfully scale your business, but we also look at what’s going on with your mindset - your Inner Game… and that’s the #1 factor in unlocking your true potential.

Want to know more? Leave a comment below and we’ll be in touch.

Or click here to book your complimentary 15 minute coaching call right now.