So, when was the last time you took a 'real' vacation? The kind of vacation where you forget about the business, turn off the phone, and spend a week or two just chilling out?

If you are like a lot of small business owners, you probably can't remember.

Oh sure, you may have taken a day off here and there, or maybe even a weekend. But probably not a real vacation.

This can be a real problem for small business owners (and their families). It can lead to career burnout and physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.

Perhaps, instead of looking at vacations as an indulgence, small business owners (and entrepreneurs) should look at vacations as important to running a successful business as having up to date computers.

Vacations can be a way to recharge, to reflect, to re-energize, and to recover from the day-to-day stress of running a business.

So, when was the last time you took a 'real' vacation?

(This message sponsored by my wife, who tells me it has been more than 5 years since we took a 'real' vacation.)