Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to work your judgement will be surer. – Leonardo DaVinci

As leaders we make hundreds of decisions each and every day. Some of our decisions are “fast decisions” – we’ve made them so many times that we subconsciously give an answer. It’s like muscle memory; we just know what to say and we do so without active thought. Some decisions are “slow decisions” – we actively and intentionally process our response to the situation. Regardless if we are thinking fast or slow, judgement plays an enormous role in our decision making process.

When we are tired, beat down, or on-edge our decision making process, our judgement, becomes more based on emotion than on intentional thoughts. When we are pushed to our edge over and over, our knee-jerk response is unfiltered. We act quickly – even when acting purposefully is required.

Finding time to escape, purposeful time for relaxation and rejuvenation, is required in stressful work. The time away, the time to unplug and recalibrate, encourages better judgement when we return. No one can do hard work, without a break, and continue to act at a high capacity.

Plan a vacation months in advance and look forward to the escape . . . spontaneously take-off for the weekend . . . it doesn’t matter. What matters is every now and then go away and relax. It will make you better when you return.