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*Taking 3 months off* is all about a mindset shift, backed up by a risk management process. If you think systems alone will provide you with freedom, then think again.

When a business owner understands the philosophy of how to take 3 months off from their business, the task will appear easier than what it sounds - just like learning to ride a bicycle * initially, this is a confronting and challenging task until you attain the distinction called *balance*.

A business is no more than, people, processes and technology all working together in a structured and organised manner. Everything within a business falls into one of these categories. And, they are held together by that organisation's leadership.

Neither process nor technology can operate a business without people. And, as Jim Collins said in his ground breaking bestseller Good to Great, *get the right people on the bus, and in the right seats, then have the right managers to lead*.

So, how do you take three months off?

Step 1 - You: As the owner of the business you need to make the decision that you want to change the way you run your business. This will become your non-negotiable reason for changing the way you do business. In order for the business to grow, you need to get out of your own way * move beyond being the control freak and identify the champions that are on your team and delegate to them.

Step 2 * Your Business: You'll need to engage your team in this goal as well as select a manager that will run the business in your absence. It is also vital that you conduct a risk assessment * identify what is in place and working well and what isn*t. Take stock of what it is you do on a day-to-day basis and to whom you could delegate these activities to.

Step 3 * Your Future: Start to ask yourself the tough questions about your future * Where are you going? What does the future of your business look like? No matter how long you*ve been in business, if you did take three months off, what would you want to do when you came back? * Hopefully not business as usual!!

Why do this?

The real question that needs to be asked is *why not* do this? The true benefits of this journey are that you will not only be in a position to recharge your own batteries - you will also recharge and re-inspire your business* batteries.

Whilst most business owners feel they are unstoppable, there is a limit to what we can all do year after year without stopping for a reality check. Perhaps it's time to set yourself the challenge to look at how you could have a business that is not dependent upon you and reap these rewards. The time to change your reality is now.