Let’s face it: Today’s life is exhausting. Burnout can feel unavoidable due to work, family and an endless number of duties. Stepping away is, therefore, not only good but also essential for leaders. Taking time off allows you to relax, recharge and truly live.
I believe leaders who are always on the go need vacations. Working all the time without breaks can make you tired, which can stifle your creativity and make it hard to make decisions. I’ve learned over the years that time off—even if it’s just a few days, a weekend without technology or a quiet afternoon—isn’t wasted. It’s what lets me come back with new ideas, a clearer mind and better leadership.
How Unplugging Can Make You A Sharper Leader
When was the last time you truly unplugged? I’m not talking about just scrolling on the couch, but fully disconnecting. Leaders who strategically disengage aren’t weak. I believe they’re making the strongest move possible. When you take a break, your brain can go from tactical tunnel vision to strategic big-picture thinking.
Why? Getting out of your routine shakes up your perspective. Stepping away from daily chaos lets mental clutter settle like sand in a snow globe. Without the noise of deadlines and notifications, your brain finally gets to do its best work: making connections, solving problems and seeing what really matters. You can tell the difference between what’s urgent and what’s really important. And, you can return to work not just rested but also rebooted—with sharper focus and that elusive clarity you might have been chasing at your desk for months.
I find taking a vacation away can be particularly beneficial. Yeah, staycations have their place. But I believe there’s something about landing somewhere unfamiliar—where the air smells different, the food surprises you and the rhythm of life isn’t yours. New places force you to adapt, notice details and see yourself differently. It’s like hitting a mental refresh button.
Vacations also force us to disconnect in an always-on world. That email can wait. The notifications won’t disappear, but your chance to live outside a screen will. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or two weeks overseas, time away reshapes your perspective.
Learning To Take Time Off
So many leaders treat vacations like a guilty pleasure instead of what they really are: basic maintenance for our overworked brains and bodies. And here’s the real kicker: Many of us don’t take the time we’re given. Almost half—46%—of Americans don’t use all of their paid time off.
I understand why taking time off can be difficult. It was especially hard for me to disconnect because I run several businesses in the hospitality industry, which is a space that never sleeps. But I realized that being “on” all the time wasn’t good for me or my teams. Here’s what I found helpful that I encourage other leaders to try:
1. Delegate to and trust your leadership team. One of the most important things I did was build a leadership team that I trust and give them the power to make decisions without waiting for me. Delegating wasn’t just about getting things off my plate; it was also about making people feel like they owned their work. I know that the business will keep going even when I’m not there.
2. Set limits. This changed the game for me. During vacations and even family dinners, I would check my email and answer calls. But now I tell people when I won’t be available and who to contact in my absence. I also started setting aside time each month for “quiet days.” There were no meetings or operational noise—just time to think, plan and recharge. These short breaks really do make a big difference.
3. Make your breaks count. Make your time off intentional and meaningful. For instance, sometimes I travel, and other times I just spend time with my family or read something that has nothing to do with work. The important thing is that I’m here. These breaks can not only give you energy but also help you see things more clearly that help your businesses move forward in ways you couldn’t see when you’re busy with daily tasks.
4. Remind yourself of the benefits of time off. If you’re an entrepreneur or executive who has trouble slowing down, let me say this: Taking a step back doesn’t make you less driven; it can make you more effective. And over time, it becomes a strength that your business and your people can feel.
5. Strive to broaden your horizons outside of work. When you do take time away, consider expanding beyond the same beach or cabin. While this might be more comfortable, predictable trips could mean missed chances to stumble onto a hidden café or chat with a stranger who changes your outlook or realize you’re capable of more than you thought.
Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t just change your surroundings; I believe it changes you. Ever come back from a trip feeling like you’ve been upgraded? That’s not an accident. I find that new experiences can stretch your creativity, fuel ambition and make “impossible” goals suddenly seem within reach. The best part? You don’t need a five-star resort or a month off—just the willingness to step beyond the usual will open the world of endless possibilities.
So next time you’re debating whether to take that time off, remember: The world’s biggest classrooms and brainstorming sessions don’t have walls. They’re out there—waiting for you to show up.