How Stepping Away Made Me a Better CEO

Here’s What a Break Helped Me See More Clearly

1. Rest is productive.

When you’re always “on,” your brain never gets the space to process, dream, or problem-solve creatively.

Try this:
Schedule at least one non-working block of time per week, even 2–3 hours. Treat it like a meeting with your future self. No emails, no calls. Just space to think, journal, or step away completely. You'll be surprised what surfaces when you’re not forcing clarity.

2. Design beats hustle.

If your business depends on your constant presence, it’s not scalable, it’s fragile.

Try this:
Identify one recurring task you touch weekly (like sending a welcome email or posting on social). Write down the steps. Then look for ways to systematize or automate it using AI tools, or even a calendar template. Small repeatable wins stack fast.

3. Tech can buy back your time.

Automation and AI aren’t just for big businesses. They’re how smart small teams win back hours.

Try this:
Audit your day using a time-tracking tool like Toggl or RescueTime. Flag anything that feels repetitive. Then test a simple AI tool like Calendly for scheduling, ChatGPT for first-draft writing, or Loom for training videos. Just start with one.

4. Being present is powerful.

Multitasking might feel productive, but people notice when your mind is somewhere else.

Try this:
Block “focus time” on your calendar—for yourself and for others. During client calls or family time, put your phone in another room. Use apps like Forest or Focus Mode to cut distractions. Full presence makes a bigger impact than being half-available all day.

5. Growth starts with vision, not grind.

Big ideas need altitude, not urgency. You can’t lead well if you’re stuck in the weeds.

Try this:
Create a 60-minute “CEO Hour” every week. No tasks, no checklists, just space to reflect on the bigger picture. What’s working? What’s not? Where are you needed most next? Use that time to steer, not just sprint. Combine this with #1 and see magic happen!