the Right Way ALF OF CLEAN
Stepping Back
Why Taking Breaks Matters to Move Forward
large enough for big tent panels to tumble slowly, and we dried the air before it entered the machine. That dry air acted like desert air. It’s warm enough to evaporate moisture, but gentle on fabric. Our dehumidification system is what made it possible. The dryer we created dries any fabric and tent top and saves time. It can handle 20,000 to 30,000 square feet in 12–15 hours, but we understand it’s not for everybody. It’s a serious machine for companies with serious volume. If that’s not you, there are still options. We offer smaller dryers, or you can use another drying method. Some companies use custom hanging rigs, pulley systems, or hang- and-fan setups in tall buildings. We’ve even seen setups that borrow ideas from sailboat rigging. But not every space can support that. If your ceiling’s too low or your building wasn’t designed for the weight, you’ve got to be careful. Just-in-time drying is another option. You wash the tent the night before, hang it briefly, and send it out damp to finish drying in the field.
Early in my career, I thought productivity was about exhaustion. If I collapsed into the bed at the end
of the day, I took it as a sign I was doing something right. I stayed in motion constantly, so that meant I was getting somewhere, right? But over time, I noticed something. I wasn’t always making the best
We’re also working on a new system that solves the ceiling height issue and doesn’t rely on your building’s structure at all. It’s still in testing, but if you’re curious, call us. No matter your setup, there’s always a smarter way to get the job done.
decisions. I moved so fast that I didn’t stop to think. And because I didn’t take the time to think, I created problems I had to fix later. So, I’d run faster, but I was just cleaning up messes I caused by rushing.
Eventually, I learned to hit pause. Sometimes, that means simply stepping away for a few minutes: I’ll take a walk, a quick drive, or have lunch with someone outside the business. Those breaks don’t feel productive initially, but they do something to your brain. I come back with ideas I wouldn’t have otherwise. The same principle applies on a bigger scale. I have friends who schedule solo time off every quarter to “get air.” They buy a plane ticket and put a trip on the calendar. It might be for a long weekend or an entire week, but the idea is to pause and give their brains a break. The time away also gives them a wider view of their business and helps them notice things they might miss when they’re too close to the work. These days, I pay closer attention to my energy than my schedule. When my brain is stuck, I don’t keep pushing. That’s my cue to get up. My dog even helps me out with that. He’ll nuzzle me every hour or so, and it used to bother me. Now, I take it as a reminder that it’s time for a quick break. To anyone who thinks they can’t afford to take time off from work, I’d say you can’t afford not to. Stepping away gives your brain room to work things out in the background, and it helps you lead with clarity instead of stress. If you want to move forward, sometimes the best move is to walk away, even if only for a short while. 3
From “ew” to “brand-new!”
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