This is Your Sign to TAKE A BREAK

Unlearning hustle culture

I think I’m having an identity crisis over going on “vacation.” It’s not even a vacation, it’s 2 weeks of combat, qi gong, and kung fu at the Shaolin Temple Europe.

The hustle culture runs deep.

I’ve been unlearning my ways of overworking over the past 2 years as an entrepreneur. Arbitrary deadlines at the expense of my health…for what?

Now it’s time to practice what I preach. 2 weeks away with not plans to do work.

“Can I do it?”

I was running around all day getting things prepped for myself and Kuma — my mini dachshund.🐾 I still had it on my list to edit a “State of Climate Tech in 2025” video for YouTube that I wanted to publish while gone.

As I ran out of time to prep, I knew deep down it’d be better to wait to edit when I’m back from the trip because posting while gone would mean working. It sounds so simple but it’s a real mental challenge for me to take a step back like this. 😵‍💫 Can you relate?

I’ve made massive progress in building that centers my own wellbeing in the past 2 years. I have slow mornings, I don’t work out if I’m too tired, I take several breaks in a day, and I meditate for an hour after lunch.

Even then, there’s something about really stepping away that feels like time will stop or things will break.

I need to remind myself that if I can’t live my ideal life now and practice my values….when will I ever?

So if you’re reading this, this is your sign to take real time off. Whether that is taking time offline from social media or going on a long awaited vacation. Do it. You’ll never get this time back. And I’m SO skeptical you’ll ever regret time away from the computer.

Comment or reply and lmk how you’re planning to take a break.

— Sera

P.S. 4 days left to enroll in my 2 week live cohort.

Thrilled to announce author Andy Budd will be the guest speaker. Come learn Growth Design for a Sustainable Future with me! Use code [ANDY] to join.