A CEO’s Renewal

When other hard-working entrepreneurs are grinding all the more why would a responsible entrepreneur take “a month off”?   Not, because they have received a terminal diagnosis, nor would it take being the midst of any other type of life crisis. These may be the customary concerns when a business owner announces they are taking time off, but consider they are making the smartest investment in their business and themselves.  The investment of re-calibration, refocus and renewal!

WHAT IS A SABBATICAL?

A sabbatical is “a carefully planned period in which a person is granted leave away from their usual responsibilities to spend an extended time in rest, renewal, and refreshment.” This cessation of work is intended to provide physical rest, spiritual renewal, and overall refreshment. Consider a sabbatical as an investment in a CEO’S renewal.

The word “sabbatical” comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, which means “to cease or rest.” In the Scriptures, there are many references to the varied types of sabbaths (Gen. 2:3, Exo. 20:8, Deut. 15, Gal. 1:17-18). 

WHY TAKE A SABBATICAL?

First, like several other vocations, your calling requires spiritual vitality.  For business endeavors to continue thriving and to remain a faithful CEO, you must master the busyness.  Many choose to “devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4). The discipline of devotion includes periods of silence, meditation, reflection, prayer, and biblical study—essentials to hearing from God. While some practice these “on the fly”, CEO’s hungry for a fresh wind of success may sense a greater need to withdraw, evaluate, rest, and draw near to God to be refreshed and gain a clear vision for the next few years of their corporate endeavors.

Second, is the nature of the work. Working progressively at layered, complex tasks that include leading projects and people, requires an energy that is not purely physical or mental. While most vocations are demanding, many types of labor, like brand consulting and product development work, is particularly taxing on multiple levels. Taking an intentional sabbatical invests in your business and self by taking a break from the constancy of the myriad of your daily demands.

The third reason for a sabbatical is for relational and business health. If you desire to avoid falling into a state of the dutiful business.  That is where you become subject to simply going through the motions with clients and vendors. By God’s grace and much intentionality, many have avoided this trap thus far. It’s time to recalibrate in a sustained way, by taking time away.   Time to plan to evaluate your growth, celebrate the gains, and plan for your next level of professional enrichment. Expect greatness in 2020 – the emergence of fresh leadership Ideals, the unfolding of stimulating business opportunities, new clientele, and much more.

May your holiday season be filled with joyful experiences, moments of inspiration and renewed vision.