My Top 5 SUPER-LAME Excuses for NOT Taking a Break On a Gorgeous Summer Day (What Are Yours?)

My main reason is: I worry that if I step away from what I'm working on I'll totally lose focus or momentum. So I tend to plow through things until they're done, even if it's nice outside. Perhaps a good trick for counteracting this is to leave a post-it on my desk -- here's where I left off, now get back to it!

Wow.  So totally get this!  And my business has everything to do with living at the coast - have learned that if I jump on my bike first thing in the morning it completely changes my outlook for the whole day.  Excercise and clearing my brain before sitting down to hammer out more work.   

P.S. I live steps from the beach in Half Moon Bay, CA

Hey @CaronsBeach - welcome to QB Community and thanks for sharing that gorgeous pic!

I visited Half Moon Bay quite a few times back when I was living in San Francisco. What do you do there, and how does it relate to living on the Cali coast? (Trying not to feel jealous here!) :smileywink:

Hi @EmilyCowan - I own and operate a small online retail store focussed on coastal living home decor.  Living beside the water has always been part of my life, whether I was here in Northern California or in the Puget Sound. I was so frustrated trying to create a coastal home that did not look like Coney Island or the Santa Monica boardwalk (ya know, touristy and "beachy") that I opened up a brick and mortar store outside of Seattle with a focus on "real" coastal and beach home decorating.  It eventually morphed into an online store only. I wanted to share that coastal lifestyle with other beach people - decorating ideas, entertaining ideas, etc. 

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P.S.  I have been a member of the community, just have not participate in a while!

Hi, 

Gimme 5 minutes more.

LOL, @Sangeethmathew - those 5 minutes can really add up!

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@caronsbeach2 wrote:

Hi @EmilyCowan - I own and operate a small online retail store focussed on coastal living home decor.  Living beside the water has always been part of my life, whether I was here in Northern California or in the Puget Sound. I was so frustrated trying to create a coastal home that did not look like Coney Island or the Santa Monica boardwalk (ya know, touristy and "beachy") that I opened up a brick and mortar store outside of Seattle with a focus on "real" coastal and beach home decorating.  It eventually morphed into an online store only. I wanted to share that coastal lifestyle with other beach people - decorating ideas, entertaining ideas, etc. 

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That's awesome, @caronsbeach2. It's wonderful to have such a clear vision and the ability make that vision a reality. I did some browsing on your site and it actually reminds me a lot of Newburyport, where I live!

If you haven't yet done so, I highly recommend hopping over to our Momentum to $1 Million group geared specifically toward women entrepreneurs. Group host @Anonymous is a much sought-after business coach who is offering her insight and guidance to our QB Community members. Just click the "Join" button at the top right of the page and you're in :smileyhappy:

I Love this. I can see myself with every single one of these excuses.  I too find myself having a difficult time returning back to my focus once I have stepped away from my desk.  I think this week I would really like to try some of these ways recommended.  I will have to let you know how it goes.  

Thank you for the great advice.

@kschreiber, definitely let me know how it goes! It was superhot yesterday where I live but the rest of the week is supposed to be gorgeous. No excuses!!

Super-lame reason #6: I'm just going to be thinking about work ANYWAY, so why step away from it at all?

Ever experience this, @EmilyCowan @kschreiber @caronsbeach2 @Sangeethmathew?

It happens to me an awful lot, but this excuse can turn itself on its head sometimes, too, in a good way. Sometimes  getting outside and moving my body is just the thing I need to keep thinking about my business but I somehow end up think on things just a little bit differently. I might come back from that time outside with a new and needed perspective!

Those are all very relatable reasons! However, my #1 would be I don't want the boss (my father) to think that I'm lazy and the firm won't be in good hands someday :smileyfrustrated: Usually though, I'll just suck it up and ask. I don't mind working a little later in the day if need be to enjoy 30 minutes of sunshine. Usually the fresh air and sun will rejuvenate and refocus my mind and I'm way more productive afterwards!! Cheers!

Holy heck, @Peter_G_Stone  - that's a gorgeous pic! Is that near your office??

You bring up such a good point. In my article I only talked about the excuses I make to myself for not to take a break, but we are also accountable to others - if not a boss then a business partner, a demanding client, a child (shout-out to all you mompreneurs working from home with kids on summer school break!). 

So let's add:

6. My boss/partner/client won't like it. Are you sure? Point out that the fresh air and sun will help you rejuvenate and refocus, making you much more productive over the longer term. If you're worried about pushback, offer to work a little later in the day so you can enjoy that 30 minutes of sunshine without the appearance of lost productivity. 

@EmilyCowan, it is by my office when I work from home :smileyvery-happy: I'm able to work from home more during the summer when tax season and client office needs have died down. I love the outdoors, so it is a nice balance, and I have no qualms working "odd" hours to get things done. It is the benefit of working for yourself...or in my case having a boss that is focused on results and is flexible to the work approach to achieve them!

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Is it easy or not-so-easy for you step away from work for a moment to enjoy the sunshine? What's your go-to spot for taking a breather outside?

Today was easy to get away because I was feeling sorry for my dog, Maisie, who needed some good fetching time. We went to the beach trail near my house and now she smells like low tide but at least she's happy. As am I -- head cleared, blood flowing. 

Hi @EmilyCowan:

Great article. This is me!!!  We just had this discussion on Seth David's Zoom and friends.  He said you have to "make" time for what is important.  Actually, he recommended putting it on your calendar.  You book it and do it.  You will come back fresher.  Healthier. Win-Win!

Don't miss out on the beautiful days.  Fall is the best time in New England. Enjoy!

Lynda