What I Did During My 7 Weeks Off

   

Wow, it’s been quite a while since my last post back in June!

Here’s why I haven’t posted a single article or created any new content on this blog or any of my other websites…

I took a mini retirement!

If you are familiar with Timothy Ferriss’s book ‘The 4-Hour Work Week’ you’ll understand where I’m coming from.

If you haven’t read the book then;

1. I highly recommend you do read it because it is absolute ‘must read’ and..

2. It basically means I’ve been away to different places and taken a long holiday (mini retirement) - 7 weeks off to be precise!

The most I did was to check my emails every now and again and reply to the odd customer support query. The rest of my time I spent in Southern Spain, Gibraltar and moving into my new beautiful home back here in the UK.

That’s the real beauty of running an online business that is mostly 100% automated. It allows you freedom to take time out to do the things in life you really want to do or need to do.

Since I went full time with my internet business in April 2006, this is the first occasion I’ve taken so much time off. But the experience has been beneficial in so many ways…

As well as traveling and moving into my new home, I also took the time to re-evaluate my internet business and decide what I really wanted to concentrate on in the future.

I made some big decisions and drew up a new ‘life plan’ i.e. where I want to be in 5 years time, doing what, etc.

Now I feel totally refreshed and eager to get started again! I’m just bursting with new energy, new ideas and new projects.

I also read a couple of great books that were recommended to me by other successful entrepreneurs.

That sounds quite a flippant statement ‘just read a couple of books’ because if you know me you’ll know it takes me ages to read a book … I’m talking anywhere from 6 months to a year!

But before I took my time off I made a pledge to myself to read at least 1 book from cover to cover before I returned to my business.

Well I not only read 1, I read one and three quarters! Just got 1 more chapter to read on the second!

The first book I read was 'The Magic Of Thinking Big' by David J. Schwartz. What a great book! I just couldn’t put it down and urge you to read this book as soon as you can.

I’m not going to turn this post into a book review (although I will write a review for you soon) but just trust me when I say “go and read it now”.

The second book that I’ve nearly finished is 'The E-Myth Revisited' by Michael E. Gerber. This has been a really enlightening read. The author explains the reasons why 80% of small businesses fail in their first 5 years and what you can do about it.

Again I’ll write up a review later, but it is another book that should be high up on your ‘to read’ list.

Even though I’m now back into the swing of things, I’m still going to read as many new books as I possibly can. In the future I want to be like those people you here about with a big library full of great books! (I have half a shelf so far!)

There’s a saying I heard somewhere that went “Rich people have big libraries, poor people have big TV’s.”

Obviously taking 7 weeks off is not an option to most people, especially if you work for someone else. But you can do something similar with just a few days off.

Spend some real quality time evaluating your business. How you see it progressing, if you really enjoy what you’re doing, if not, what would your ideal online business look like?

Take a broad look at all the aspects of your business. You may find that you are very happy how it’s going. You may think of some great ways to improve it. Or you may just decide to ditch the whole lot and start something new.

There’s nothing wrong with ripping up everything you’ve done up until now and starting afresh.

Here’s why … you won’t lose the knowledge you’ve attained so far.

In this game knowledge is power and once you understand how something works you can easily duplicate it or adapt it in a totally new project.

Sure you may lose your subscriber list, but it’s really not difficult to build another. Your new business will grow faster and become more successful because you will be more committed and enthusiastic. 

Having time off work can do wonders to your energy levels and your sense of perspective.

But don’t take time off and sit around worrying that you’re not making any money.

Use the time constructively. Read some internet marketing reports you keep meaning to read. Read some self improvement books like the ones I’ve mentioned here. Re-evaluate your life goals if necessary. Just make sure you use the time positively.

DO NOT feel guilty for taking the time off. Otherwise there’s no point in doing so.

I became a little anxious half way through my break that I hadn’t updated my blog. I was worried that my readers would think bad of me and that I was being lazy etc. etc.

But these concerns were self inflicting. You gotta remember, no-one really cares about your blog, your website, your sales page 'to that extent'. (No matter who you are - including Seth Godin!)

Sure when you make a good post, people comment on it and it makes you feel good. But on the whole no-one's going to lose any sleep if you never appear online again!

It’s a harsh fact, but true all the same. Apparently it’s a good idea to keep posting at least once a week so you keep the relationship with your readers. Who says? I’m sure you don’t think anything less of me now? Do you?!

Also since I’ve been away, I’ve actually added a further 245 subscribers to my list!

So there you have it. I’ve been away for 7 weeks and I’ve had a fantastic time! I’ve read a couple of great books, re-evaluated my business strategy and my life goals.

Now I’m back and bursting with energy and ideas. I feel like I’m a child again on Christmas morning!

I have lots to share with you and hopefully you’ll enjoy my future posts.

Cheers!

~ Peter Tremayne