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#1 Reminder For Busy Founders

It's not what you think.

Kathryn O'Day
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April 8, 2025

A lot of U.S. families head out on Spring Break this month.

Which makes it a great time to reshare my favorite quote from founder and investor, Alex Friedman!!

Idk who needs this but I’ve seen a few startups fail because of founder burn out. I haven’t seen any startups fail because a founder took a couple days off.

I’d even go so far as to say, often the biggest business “ah-ha” moments happen when you’re away from the day-to-day grind — even if it’s 24 or 48 hours!

One of my other favorite quotes is from Tim Ferris:

What one thing, if done, could render all other things irrelevant?

It’s hard to see clearly when you’re in the weeds. Everything is urgent and important. You’re just trying to get through your inbox, Slack, and meetings.

With a bit of space, all the sudden you realize:

  • a customer insight that’s been staring you in the face

  • things in your schedule that don’t make sense

  • the industry you need to start looking at

  • problematic customers you need to fire

  • the mission critical senior leader to bring on

  • which sales strategies are working

  • what KPIs matter the most

  • and a million other things that are obvious as soon as your subconscious takes over!

Give yourself and your company extra fire power this month — by taking time away.

Do it right now. Block a whole day on your calendar. Plan a camping trip. Have a friend “force” you to do something fun for a weekend. Leave your phone at home.

Your soul — and your business — will be better for it.

(Pass this along to a founder who needs the reminder!)


Any fun stories about a great business “unlock” that happened when you took time off? I’d love to hear them (or share them below)!

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