Podcast Summary: "The Power of Taking Time Off: Why Entrepreneurs Need to Unplug"

Podcast: Business Lunch
Host: Roland Frasier
Episode Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Business Lunch, host Roland Frasier engages in a deep conversation with Ryan Deiss, a fellow serial entrepreneur and business strategist. They delve into the crucial topic of why taking time off is not just beneficial but essential for entrepreneurs to maintain their success and well-being.

The Necessity of Vacations for Entrepreneurs

Ryan Deiss opens the discussion by sharing his personal experiences with taking extended vacations. He emphasizes the importance of annual breaks, highlighting how his time away allowed him to recharge and spend quality moments with his family.

Ryan Deiss [00:39]: "I didn't think about it as a sabbatical, but definitely a good vacation. Yeah, 30 days. I'd like to do it every year and this year was no exception. I think it's important, but it was great. Really, really good time. You should do it."

Roland agrees, discussing his strategic approach to taking time off, especially during off-peak periods to minimize impact on his business operations.

Roland Frasier [00:54]: "I'm going to wait until it's nice and cold and clammy in the fall or the winter and take it when nobody else wants to go anywhere and I'll be all by myself and that's my sweet happy spot."

Overcoming Burnout Through Time Off

A significant portion of the conversation centers on burnout, a common issue among entrepreneurs. Ryan recounts his interactions with business owners who feel overwhelmed and consider drastic measures like selling or downsizing their businesses due to extreme stress.

Ryan Deiss [02:30]: "I've had to ask them one question: When was the last time you had a vacation? Almost every single time, they don't remember. It's amazing how restorative taking real time off can be."

Roland builds on this by stressing the importance of setting boundaries to prevent work from encroaching on personal time. He shares insights on how intentional scheduling of vacations can preserve mental health and sustain business growth.

Roland Frasier [07:34]: "You have to not let your work schedule bully you. You have to set your boundaries and set the time that you are going to carve out."

Strategies for Effective Time Management

The hosts discuss practical strategies for integrating regular time off into busy entrepreneurial schedules. Ryan highlights the importance of planning vacations well in advance to ensure they are sacrosanct and non-negotiable.

Ryan Deiss [09:24]: "These dates have been on the calendar for over a year. We block off time every December between Christmas and New Year's and again halfway through the year to ensure consistency."

Roland emphasizes that the location of the vacation is less important than the act of disengaging from work altogether. Whether traveling or staying home, the key is to disconnect fully.

Roland Frasier [21:56]: "It's not about where you go, it's about what you do. Ideally, what you do is as little as possible."

The Impact of Vacations on Creativity and Productivity

Both Ryan and Roland share their observations on how taking time off can lead to remarkable boosts in creativity and productivity. Ryan narrates his experience of writing a book during his vacation, a project that had been dormant for over a decade.

Ryan Deiss [18:44]: "I wrote a book in about two weeks. It was a book that had been floating around in my mind for over a decade. In two weeks, it just happened."

Roland adds that rest is often misunderstood as unproductive time, whereas it can actually be a period of active mental rejuvenation.

Roland Frasier [16:17]: "Rest is work. You actually are more productive when you take some time off."

Advice for Entrepreneurs Struggling with Burnout

In the concluding segments, Ryan offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs facing burnout. He recommends taking intentional, extended breaks as a remedy before considering drastic business changes.

Ryan Deiss [23:53]: "If you're in a state of extreme burnout, before you do something drastic, take at least one week off. Two would be better. I found 30 days to be the sweet spot."

Roland reinforces this by highlighting the long-term benefits of regular vacations, not just for personal well-being but also for maintaining a healthy relationship with one's business.

Roland Frasier [22:56]: "The business doesn't get to growl at you. You've got to carve that time out."

Key Takeaways

1. Prioritize Regular Time Off: Entrepreneurs should schedule and commit to regular vacations to prevent burnout and maintain high productivity levels.

2. Set Boundaries: Clearly define work and personal time to ensure that work does not infringe upon personal life.

3. Plan Ahead: Advance planning of vacations ensures minimal disruption to business operations and allows for better execution of time off.

4. Embrace Rest as Productivity: Recognize that rest and relaxation can lead to enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.

5. Adapt Strategies Based on Business Structure: Solo entrepreneurs may face more significant challenges when taking time off compared to those with established teams, highlighting the need for scalable systems.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Deiss [02:30]: "It's amazing how restorative just taking some time off can be."
• Roland Frasier [07:34]: "You have to set your boundaries and set the time that you are going to carve out."
• Ryan Deiss [18:44]: "I wrote a book in about two weeks... because I was able to clear out all the stuff."
• Ryan Deiss [23:53]: "Take a freaking vacation."

Conclusion

This episode serves as a compelling reminder that even the most driven entrepreneurs must prioritize their well-being by taking regular time off. By doing so, they not only safeguard their mental and physical health but also enhance their business's sustainability and success. Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss effectively communicate that unplugging is not a luxury but a strategic necessity for long-term entrepreneurial achievement.