Do You Plan Your Days Off?

Welcome to this week's Profit First Club newsletter! 

Hello everyone,

This is Stephen Edwards from CTA, your dedicated Profit First Accountant, welcoming you to this week’s Profit First Club newsletter. If you’re joining us for the first time, a warm welcome! Each week, we cover Profit First essentials, but this newsletter is also about sharing valuable insights that can help you grow both your business and your life. It’s all interlinked, after all, and my goal is to provide you with practical advice that makes a tangible difference.

Here are my five insights for this week—let’s jump in

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1️⃣ What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

You may have come across this phrase before, but it’s a reminder worth revisiting. Knowing something doesn’t mean we’re actively applying it, and the value lies in the doing. As business owners, we’re often so focused on reaching our next goal that we overlook the progress we’ve already made. Taking a moment to reflect on our journey can give us the confidence boost needed to move forward.

However, looking back alone won’t get us to the next level. Growth requires a shift, a version “2.0” of yourself or your business. Maybe it’s time to upgrade your strategies, your team, or even the way you think about challenges. Adapt, evolve, and keep striving to become better—not just for your business but for your own sense of accomplishment and growth.

2️⃣ Just Get Started

One of the biggest obstacles to success is the desire for perfection. We often feel we need every detail nailed down before we can take action, but the real progress happens after we start. The first version of any idea or project doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to exist.

So, take that first step. Start planting seeds now that you can nurture and refine over time. Of course, this doesn’t mean jumping on every opportunity that comes your way. Focus on what aligns with your personal and business goals, your income targets, and the lifestyle you envision. But remember, it all begins with taking that initial step. As the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”—and so does every great achievement.

3️⃣ Plan Your Days Off

Taking time off is essential, but the quality of that time matters. Here’s a little framework I use for thinking about days off:

• Unplanned at Home: The least effective type of day off. Without a plan, you may end up watching TV or scrolling through social media, which isn’t truly relaxing or rejuvenating.

• Structured at Home: Slightly better, where you plan activities at home. Maybe it’s a day spent decluttering or a DIY project you’ve wanted to tackle. My wife and I recently spent a weekend re-arranging our home for a fresh feel ahead of Christmas. Structured days at home can feel productive and refreshing.

• Unplanned Outside: An improvement—just getting out of the house has benefits. But without a plan, it might lack purpose, so you may not fully switch off.

• Planned Outside: The gold standard for days off. This could be a day out, a short getaway, or even a holiday. Having a plan or itinerary allows you to make the most of your time and really switch off from work. Structured breaks give you energy to come back refreshed and motivated.

By planning your days off, you’ll find that you return to your business with a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

4️⃣ Forgive for Your Own Peace of Mind

Holding onto resentment can drain your energy and keep you stuck in the past. As business owners, we often face challenges—from difficult clients to team changes. This year, I faced a situation where a former team member left to start their own business and even took some of our clients with them. While it’s natural to feel frustrated, holding onto that frustration does more harm than good.

Forgiveness isn’t just about letting someone off the hook; it’s about freeing yourself from negative emotions that weigh you down. Techniques like gratitude, meditation, and mindfulness can help. When you let go of grudges, you’ll find you have more energy and focus for the things that truly matter. Remember, forgiveness is ultimately for your own benefit.

5️⃣ Breaking Through the Ceiling of Complexity

Every business hits a point where things feel complex and overwhelming—a “ceiling” that makes you question whether you have what it takes to reach the next stage. We all experience it, and it’s easy to start doubting yourself or feel like you’re hitting a wall. This is what’s often referred to as the ceiling of complexity.

When you reach this stage, don’t try to do it all alone. So many business owners struggle because they believe they need to have all the answers themselves. But true growth often comes from building a team, seeking advice, and learning from others. Share your knowledge with your team; empower them to grow with you. The success of your business isn’t just about your own growth but about the strength of your team as a whole. We’re only as strong as our weakest link, so focus on building a supportive network around you.

That’s it for this week’s insights. I hope you found these thoughts helpful. If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything in more depth, I’d love to chat. You’re welcome to book a meeting through the CTA website, though please note we’re fairly booked over the coming weeks as we onboard new clients.

Thank you for being a part of the Profit First Club. Here’s to a productive and fulfilling week ahead!

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