Book time off - I mean it-plan your time off for the rest of 2025!

Let me ask you something—when was the last time you intentionally planned your time off? Have you ever done this?

Not when you were exhausted. Not when you had no choice but to cancel everything. I mean actually looked at your calendar and blocked off time for you before anything else?

Here is what I have learned the hard way: If you don’t plan your time off, someone else will fill your schedule for you. 

Whether it’s clients, coworkers, or your own overachieving self, your calendar will always find a way to stay full unless you protect your time on purpose.

One of the most powerful mindset shifts I’ve made is learning to schedule rest as strategically as I schedule work.

It’s not lazy. It’s a business decision and one that will keep you in business a lot longer. 

Your clients will be just fine. You’ve built trust with them—and they’ll respect your boundaries if you do.

Part of this type of planning requires you to ensure you have coverage for those longer stretches of time, like a beach vacation. I would suggest finding another broker in your organization who can cover for you (and vice versa), or if you have an assistant, training them to triage your calls and emails so you’re not constantly “checking in” while you’re supposed to be recharging.

If you are partnering with another broker you are going to want to test each other out a bit, so I would suggest each of you taking 2-3 days off and letting the other broker cover your files. You will get a sense of if it will work. Also, make sure you clearly outline the compensation schedule (splits on what and how much) before hand to ensure there are no misunderstanding.

Your challenge this week:

• Grab your calendar and plan your days off for the rest of the year.

• Start with long weekends and holidays

• Add in birthdays, anniversaries, and family events

• Now choose 2-3 full no work days each quarter just for you

• Bonus points if you plan a vacation—even a staycation counts

Then, make a plan for coverage.

These aren’t “maybe if I get everything done” days. These are non-negotiable. Your energy, joy, and peace are worth protecting.

You can build a successful business and live a full life. You need to stop waiting for permission to rest—and give it to yourself.

You deserve it.

Let me know when you’ve blocked your time. I’ll be cheering you on—rested and recharged!

RENEE