Would you like to know the best next steps you can do to grow your business (even if you think you’re not ready)?

The first step is to change how you think.

Before you check out, understand that this isn’t just a mindset exercise.

Albert Einstein said:

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Most entrepreneurs get stuck and overwhelmed because they are putting out fires where they are, rather than focusing on where they are going. It can be hard to have perspective when you are working all the time, which leads me to the

The second (and maybe even more important) step you can take to grow your business – take a break.

Yep

Step away

Here’s a few reasons why this is important (found on www.allinahealth.org):

• Improved physical health (1)
  
  Stress can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure. For both men and women, the New York Times reported, taking a vacation every two years compared to every six will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks.

• Improved mental health (2)
  
  Neuroscientists have found that chronic exposure to stress can alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety and depression. When you take a vacation, feelings of calm arise and relieve stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn’t if it were still under pressure.

• Greater well-being (3)
  
  According to a Gallup study, people who “always make time for regular trips” had a 68.4 score on the Gallup-Heathway’s Well-Being Index, in comparison to a 51.4 Well-Being score for less frequent travelers. One study found that three days after vacation, subjects’ physical complaints, quality of sleep, and mood had improved compared to before vacation. These gains were still present five weeks later, especially in those who had more personal time and overall satisfaction during their vacation.

• Increased mental motivation (4)
  
  Many who return from vacation are more focused and productive. Studies have found that chronic stress can make it difficult to achieve certain tasks and cause memory problems. Taking time off can be like getting a tune-up for the brain, improving your mental health and cognition.

• Improved family relationships (5)
  
  Spending time enjoying life with loved ones can keep relationships strong. A study by the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services found that women who took vacations were more satisfied with their marriages.

• Decreased burnout (6)
  
  Employees who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts. Another way to manage burnout is through the Oxygen Mask Rule: “Secure your masks before assisting others.” In other words, address your mental, physical and spiritual needs before committing to responsibilities benefitting others outside of your immediate family.

• Boosted happiness (7)
  
  Research shows planning a vacation can boost your happiness. Some people experience an elevated mood up to eight weeks before the trip.

Ready for a break, but not sure where to go?

Why not join me next month in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina?

An intimate group of my favorite women will be meeting up for a few days in Asheville at the end of July.

I’ve found that the best way to give my life and my business a jumpstart is to disconnect from day-to-day activities for a few days so I can reconnect to my vision and purpose.

If you’d like to come play with us, head on over to this page to learn more.

If you have questions after reading the event page, send me a note and let’s jump on a call this week to see if the Elevate Retreat is right for you.

Be well. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Sending Love,

Where’s Laura?

June 24 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada – I’m hosting a few girlfriends for an afternoon of sharing business ideas and networking, followed by a light dinner.

July 11-15 – Dallas, Texas – I’ll be working with a mission trip during the day, but will be free in the evenings.

July 25-31 – Asheville, North Carolina – We’ll be hosting our Elevate Retreat July 29 & 30. Details at www.limitlesswomen.com/elevate

August 3-13 – Colorado – I’ll be speaking at the Ft. Collins Chapter of EWomen Network on August 4, and will be attending my good friend Ann Neal’s Mindfulness Retreat on August 13. Visiting with friends in between.

August 15-20 – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

August 24-27 – Dallas, Texas – Attending the EWomen Network Annual Conference.

October 17-20 – San Antonio, Texas – We’ll be hosting our FLOW Retreat on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Fun!

If you’re going to be in any of these areas while I’m there and would like to connect, hit reply and let’s coordinate our schedules.

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