What if working LESS made you MORE successful?
That’s not just wishful thinking—it’s science. Research from Stanford shows that once you pass 50 hours a week, your productivity nosedives. Push it to 70 hours? You might as well have stayed at 50. And Microsoft’s four-day workweek experiment? It increased productivity by 40%.
So why do we, as entrepreneurs, feel guilty for taking a break?
I decided to put this theory to the test, literally. I took The Vacation Test: seven days away, zero work calls, and a business that runs without me. My destination? Marrakesh, Morocco, for an adventure-packed trip with my daughter.
Did I actually unplug? Or did my inner control freak win?
The Three-Part Vacation Test:
- Can you take at least seven days away from your business?
- Can your team operate without texting you for help?
- Do you return feeling refreshed, a.k.a. not needing another vacation?
I won’t spoil my results, but let’s just say… the struggle was real. From food tours to unexpected camel rides, this trip was full of lessons (business and life).
Want to see how I did? And, more importantly, want to see how YOU can set up your business to thrive without you?
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Stanford research on productivity
- Harvard Business Review study on workplace well-being
- Microsoft’s four-day workweek findings
- Moroccan Food Adventures
- Flightographer travel photography services
HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Why taking breaks help with productivity
02:34 The vacation test questions
03:20 Amber’s trip to Marrakech
16:55 Did Amber pass the vacation test?
17:47 Where is Amber headed next
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