As a business owner, working hard is in your DNA. But relentless hours don’t guarantee progress. In fact, grinding away without stepping back can cause you to lose sight of the big picture.

The truth is, it’s not just about working hard; it’s about finding clarity and direction so that you can confidently propel you and your business forward.

Taking time to pause, reflect, and think strategically can do more for your business than an extra 20 hours at your desk. The most effective business leaders know that stepping away from the daily grind is essential for long-term growth and innovation.

Working Hard vs. Working Smart

When we get caught up in long hours, it’s easy to lose perspective. A study published in Cognition shows that taking short breaks helps reactivate goals, improving performance. Pausing to reflect helps you focus on what really matters.

The Power of ‘Think Weeks’

Bill Gates’ famous ‘Think Week’ is a prime example of stepping away to gain insight. Twice a year, Gates spends time in isolation to reflect, research, and plan. 

In 1995, this practice led to his groundbreaking memo, The Internet Tidal Wave, which changed Microsoft’s direction and embraced the internet.

During this Think Week, Gates researched and studied the internet, a relatively new phenomenon. He analysed what potential it had in the industry, how that would affect Microsoft, how his competitors were dealing with it and then came up with his vision to move forward with it. 

Prior to this Think Week Bill was reportedly dismissive of the internet, further proof that owners can often get stuck in the weeds and miss opportunities if they are not willing to take time to reflect and question their surroundings.  

Similarly, Michael Karnjanaprakorn came up with the idea for Skillshare during his own Think Week. Stepping back allowed him to think about his company’s future and solidify his vision.

How to Take Your Own Think Week

Programs like the Owner Manager Program (OMP) are designed to give business owners time to reflect, test ideas, and receive feedback. Post program, many OMP alumni attend OMX as their annual ‘Think Week’ refresher.

Whether you attend a formal program or take time off yourself, here are practical tips for stepping back:

1. Start Small if Needed
If taking a full week seems daunting, start with a Think Day or a couple of days. Even short breaks can help you refocus. The OMP consists of 3-day blocks—long enough to encourage reflective thinking, but short enough to manage.

2. Disconnect Completely
Minimize distractions by finding a quiet location. Limit meetings, emails, and phone calls, and consider deleting distracting apps. The OMP venues are purposefully located away from distractions to help participants disconnect.

3. Define Your Goals Beforehand
Come prepared with questions you want to explore. For example:

• What are you really trying to accomplish?
• Who are your customers, and what value do you provide them?
• How does your business stand out from competitors?
• What trends are emerging in your industry?

At the OMP, we often see business owners reflecting on their next steps and how to navigate major transitions.

4. Gather Resources in Advance
Bring articles, data, or research material that will help you think deeply about your goals. This ensures your time is productive. The OMP provides thought-provoking materials and external presenters to challenge participants.

5. Turn Ideas into Action
When your Think Week ends, translate insights into action. Bill Gates is known for sending out ideas and holding follow-up meetings after his Think Weeks to turn vision into strategy.

At the Owner Manager Program, we ensure participants leave each session with actionable steps to implement back at their businesses.

Related articles to post:

1. HBR Article From Harvard Business Review – an article discussing the importance of taking short breaks to aid in achieving long term goals.
2. Deloitte Article An interest article discussing the idea of challenging assumptions to explore new possibilities.
3. Internet Tidal Wave Memo A typed publication of the faxed memo ‘The Internet Total Wave’ written by Bill Gates in 1995 and distributed to his executive staff following a think week.