Earlier this month, I attended the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) annual convention, this year held in Dallas, Texas. It was wonderful to connect with colleagues from across the country and to take time to think about the work we do. As our new Ames Regional Economic Alliance brand officially moved into its second month, I continue to be excited about what it means for the work we do and the region we support.
July is a good time for many of us to take some time away from the office, either for continuing education or a little bit of vacation. I’ve done both. Our world is fast-paced, and taking time to recharge is more important than ever, even if it is difficult to schedule. It’s easy for me to overlook the necessity of rest and relaxation. I not only need to be reminded to take time for myself, but I often need to remind myself to extend that courtesy to our team as well.
It is clear to me that our organization never has an off-season, yet the fall always seems to be the most hectic around our office. I love seeing our team run hard and positively impacting our region. I also know that not taking breaks can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health issues. By dedicating time to recharge, we can replenish our creative energy, improve our mental health, and ultimately make our organization better.
Recharging doesn’t have to be complicated. My time at the ACCE conference allowed me to engage with our work, away from the office, and on a different level. For many of you, spending time outdoors, reading a book, engaging with a hobby, and spending time with loved ones can make a significant difference. I have time set aside for all of those things and I encourage you to do the same.
Each of our core values (customer driven, integrity, team player, good for it, innovative, and greater good), require us to be at our best. Taking time to recharge is not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle.
