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In today's society, especially in the DC area, being frenzied and overbooked is almost a badge of honor. But it comes at a price that we often don't realize until much later. Running at full tilt all the time rarely produces sound strategic decisions.

I'm writing this entry from Key West - sober. I had too much to do to get ready to leave a life that doesn't seem to have a moment's spare time. And my blog entry is late. But writing from this location after a couple of days of unwinding has shown me what I can't see when I'm in the middle of my regular life - the one with a growing business, a working marriage, a lively toddler, and a house under renovation.

I see the value of breaking away and taking a breath. It's something I know is useful, but isn't often a choice. The neat thing is that unwinding has let me realize that it doesn't have to be a physical separation from daily life as much as a brief emotional break from the passionate days that can define entrepreneurship and family life.

We've all seen the great ideas that an objective mind can create. We know how valuable taking a step back can be in identifying patterns in our businesses that need changing, or defining new markets or products. An unencumbered mind can be a powerful one.

We don't have to literally go on vacation to detach enough to be objective - we just need some clear mental space.

What makes it so hard to achieve?

I think the answer for many women business owners is much like mine - it's about permission. Giving yourself permission to "clear the deck", free your mind, and not be responsible for 10,000 things at once, even for a minute, can be scary. It can make you feel guilty, like you aren't pulling your weight, or you're losing time you didn't have to begin with, or maybe that you're having a moment of peace that others around you don't get. Those are all true for me.

What we fail to weigh this against is the reality that frantic, packed, overobligated, and working past capacity aren't necessarily signs of success, importance, or even good business. If we want solid, sustainable growth - even at a rapid pace - we must allow ourselves to be good stewards of our companies. And that requires the ability to objectively view the business as well as our role in it.

So try something next week. Give yourself permission to take a little time. Believe that the world will not crash to a halt and that no one will think less of your thoughtful, deliberate investment in your business. Then do it again. It's an investment that will pay off many times over, in efficency, creativity, morale, and direction.

Carla Morelli is President of FreyerMartin, an executive bill-paying firm that supports individuals who are extremely busy. She loves being able to give them time and peace of mind.