I’ll admit it. I’ve always been a bit of a workaholic. My parents raised me with the belief that hard work would lead to a good life where I could support myself with my income.
Part of it comes from the era in which I grew up. My generation was taught that hard work wasn’t just important; it was one of the defining measures of a successful life. I began my career in communications at the Sugarloaf ski resort, where weekends and holidays were often our busiest days. We barely celebrated Thanksgiving because the mountain was open and Christmas meant working at least part of the day to serve our guests.
It was an exciting place to launch a career and taught me the value of hard work, exceptional guest service and always putting people first. When I founded my public relations agency, that work ethic came with me. Emails, client calls and travel often spilled into weekends because I genuinely loved what I was building and whom I was serving.
My older son, now in his 30s, once told me he learned the definition of a work ethic by watching me. That made me incredibly proud. I had often wondered whether my schedule had asked too much of my family, but I’m grateful both of my sons inherited the positive side of that example: dedication, perseverance and a willingness to work hard.
Over the years, however, I’ve discovered something surprising. Some of my best business ideas arrive when I’m not thinking about business at all.
Benefits of unplugging
One of my favorite places to think isn’t my office. It’s the dirt roads around Damariscotta Lake. I’ll head out without an agenda, listening to the birds, waving to neighbors and soaking in the beauty of a Maine summer. Before long, my busy mind begins to quiet down. Walking has become almost meditative.
Ironically, it’s during those moments, when I’m intentionally not thinking about work, that solutions to client challenges, new ideas and even future columns suddenly appear.
As I thought about hobbies I’d like to rediscover, another memory came back to me. Growing up, I belonged to 4-H, and my wonderful leader, Mrs. Shaw, taught me how to bake bread from scratch. At 17, I became the state 4-H bread-baking champion.
Looking back, I realize it wasn’t just about the bread. Kneading dough by hand slowed me down, focused my attention and quieted my busy mind. It gave me the same peaceful feeling I experience today while walking around the lake. I’d love to get back into baking bread because I now understand that the process is every bit as rewarding as the finished loaf.
I’ve also rediscovered my love of entertaining. Growing up, I watched my amazing mother prepare quintessential Maine meals of lobster, clams and homemade blueberry pie for gatherings of 10 to 16 people. She made it look effortless.
Today, I love carrying on that tradition by welcoming friends to our family’s cottage on Damariscotta Lake — or our “camp,” as many Mainers would call it. My mom is gone now, but I think of her constantly as I prepare those same meals using her well-loved pots and cast-iron fry pans and the brightly colored enamel plates and bowls that once graced her table. Every dinner feels like a small tribute to her.
I’ve also made a list of other things I’d like to make more time for: sewing, organizing old family photographs, cooking, reading and simply enjoying Maine’s short but spectacular summers. None of those activities have anything to do with work, yet they make me happier, more creative and more energized.
The benefits of unplugging go far beyond feeling refreshed. Real time away from work reduces stress, improves sleep, strengthens relationships, helps prevent burnout and often leads to better decisions because rested minds think more clearly. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, manager or employee, you’ll likely return with more patience, fresh perspective and renewed creativity.
Today’s technology makes us available every hour of every day. Artificial intelligence helps us work faster, but it can also tempt us to work even more. Just because technology allows us to stay connected doesn’t mean we always should.
Invest in yourself
Here’s my challenge: if you suddenly had one extra day every week with no work obligations, how would you spend it? Write down your list. Then choose one thing and make time for it this summer. You may discover that stepping away from work is one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your career — and in yourself.
Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do for your career isn’t working harder. It’s giving yourself permission to step away, recharge and return with fresh eyes, renewed energy and a richer perspective on both your work and your life.
Remember, your career is part of your life. It should never become your entire life.
