How do you really unwind after a big milestone or deal is closed?
The following answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only nonprofit organization comprised of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. The YEC promotes entrepreneurship as a solution to unemployment and underemployment and provides entrepreneurs with access to tools, mentorship, and resources that support each stage of their business's development and growth.
A: Properly, Of Course!
Big milestones and deals deserve to be celebrated. A nice restaurant and wine usually do the trick. --
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A: With Paper and Pen
When I reach a milestone I always record it in a journal of things I'm grateful for, then I celebrate the accomplishment. I think it's important to be able to look back on all the little victories you've had along your journey, especially on the days when it feels tough being an entrepreneur. --
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A: "Out of Office" Auto-Reply
It sounds simple, but the best thing I can do once I've accomplished something big is to relax and recognize that the hard work paid off. Enjoy some R&R and distance yourself from the job for a bit. Celebrate your accomplishments -- it's the best thing you can do and it'll have you coming back to work feeling rested and rejuvenated.--
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A: So, What's Next?
Now that all of the stress is gone, take a few private days to formulate a plan for your next goal. Whenever you're ready to get back to the trenches, repeat the process -- over and over again.--
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A: More Champagne, Please!
My favorite way of enjoying my successes or closed deals is by popping open a bottle of champagne with my close friends and business associates and relishing in the glory of the moment. A great saying my assistant came up with, which we repeatedly say to always keep spirits high, is "More champagne, please!" --
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A: Slow Down, Superheroes
We entrepreneurs live at a pace that would wear Superman out. We don't recognize that we apply that to everything, so when we get a big win, we have a quick celebration and then move on to the pace again. I've learned that it's far better for us to celebrate over a few days so we really feel it in our bones rather than just moving to the next checkbox. --
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A: Pack Your Bags!
Taking a trip, preferably out of the country where I have limited phone and Internet access, is one of my favorite ways to relax. I find that a change of scenery and a lack of responsibility allows me to slow down, reflect on what's happened, and get recharged and ready for the next big venture. --
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A: Shut Up, Smartphone
After we accomplish some huge milestone on our team, I like to celebrate by hanging out with my wife for the entire evening -- without my smartphone. It's scary as hell not having a phone with you, but after a while, you start to focus on the things that really matter and enjoy yourself even more. --
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A: Ditch the Routine
I think it's great if you can get away from home for a while, either by taking a short trip or by putting yourself in a new environment for the day. This helps you slow down, process the big milestone and reflect on your success. It's also more likely that you'll remember the celebration if you're not in your regular routine. --
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A: Lose Power on Purpose
I basically spend my entire day interfacing with electronics. When I close a big deal, I deliberately turn off everything digital and hit the golf course. I even leave my watch off so that I can forget about time. Removing work from my thoughts has always felt rewarding and has always lead to new ideas about how to improve my processes. Forgetting the details lets the big picture comes into focus. --
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A: Together With the Team
No matter what the milestone or deal is, you didn't get there without your team. Having everyone plan and then participate in an event -- whether it be a nice dinner party or a day-trek to a paintball range -- will let everyone know that you appreciate them. The act of working together on something that's genuinely fun will help everyone unwind ... and hopefully get ready for the next push! --
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A: Family Matters
There is nothing like reaching a big milestone so when we do, I take some time off to go outside and get some fresh air with my family. Too often we finish something and jump right into the next thing without taking time to pause and soak up what we've just accomplished. For me, the only way I can recharge is by getting some quality family time in. They are the reason why I work so hard! --
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