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For many entrepreneurs, success feels like a cruel zero-sum game. Previous generations have set the tone that we must sacrifice personal fulfillment for professional achievement and that true commitment requires burning the candle at both ends.
This mindset consumed me in 2016. I got stuck in what I call the entrepreneur's “either/or lie” — a distorted vision that you can thrive either personally or professionally when, in reality, both are possible. During this time, a life full of personal growth and professional success seemed impossible to achieve.
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This inner conflict caused a change in my thinking and the way I spent my time. I started investing in myself, making time for cycling, a passion I had long neglected. This seemingly simple act of self-care was not without consequences. I had to delegate more tasks within the company to make room for these pursuits. This forced us to face a harsh reality: was our business model strong enough to support my reduced involvement? It became a crash course in building systems and driving one the culture of faith.
Fast forward to the fall of 2018. Home Care Pulse, the company I had poured my heart and soul into, had undergone a remarkable transformation. It had become a “self-replicating organism,” humming along with minimal or no daily intervention from me. This new stability amplified a once simple idea into a bold decision – it was time to step down as CEO.
However, before passing the torch, my management team proposed that I take a seven-week sabbatical. This would become the ultimate test for me and my team – could the company really function without its captain? Even with the foundation laid, the thought of leaving was still terrifying. Self-doubt he had put a lot of pressure on me. However, the confidence I had seen blossom in my team motivated me to finally take action. I was optimistic that they would not survive; they will thrive in my absence.
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From trust to competence
The first week it was a container. The urge to check in—to offer directions and make sure I was there just in case—was a temptation I struggled with constantly. While it was a genuine concern for the company and the team's well-being, frankly, it was a nagging fear of losing. Thankfully, my wife, the voice of reason, intervened. It reminded me of the true purpose of the Sabbath – encouragement confidence in my leadership team, which is only possible by letting them steer the ship themselves.
Apparently, the expectations were painful at first. I honestly didn't know how they handled the surgeries and everything. Thankfully, they were champions. They followed the processes we created, adjusted them when necessary, and continued to sell our services without fail.
As soon as I returned, I was met with a team filled with relief and pride. They told me everything that happened during my absence. Their competence and confidence radiated from every word. It was an emotional homecoming that proved what trust and empowerment can do for your company and employees. It honestly brought tears to my eyes as I realized the depth of their growth.
The power of letting go
The day off solidified my decision to step down as CEO. Seeing the team's ability to thrive in my absence confirmed that the time was right for me to take another journey. My entrepreneurial gifts lie more in building new ventures from the ground up.
The company had entered a stage of maturity that required a different type head, one I no longer felt qualified to offer. The withdrawal was a strategic move to allow the company to take a more significant step forward.
After I left, Home Care Pulse experienced record growth. Instead of feeling it was a blow to my ego, I felt it was more of a validation. It assured me that I had started something truly amazing and impactful, laying the foundation for the growth it was now experiencing. Without my personal transformation in 2016, commitment to building robust processes and, most importantly, the trust of my team, the company would not be where it is today. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, a masterclass in the power of letting go.
Today, the company continues to thrive – with its incredible team working hard day in and day out to ensure its success in all aspects. In addition to allowing me to take a long overdue vacation, my seven-week vacation was also a confidence-building turning point and witnessed an incredible transformation for each of us. It was a powerful reminder that true success comes not from grasping after control, but from empowering others to take flight.