The phone buzzes. It’s a hot lead you’ve been chasing, finally ready to see a proposal. Your CRM is screaming at you with follow-up tasks. Your mind races to get out and see a couple people.
But on the kitchen counter, there’s a card and some flowers. A reminder of a promise made many years ago. Today is my wedding anniversary.
The eternal question for any salesperson hits you like a cold call on a Monday morning: Do I work today? What do I do?
The grinder in us, the one that lives by “Always Be Closing,” says we can’t afford to stop. A quick call, just an email, maybe a short meeting. The competition doesn’t sleep.
Let me stop you right there. As a professional in this demanding industry, here’s the only piece of advice we need today:
Take the day off. And don’t just take it off—unplug completely.
This isn’t about being soft or losing our edge. This is a strategic business decision, and here’s why.
1. You’re Investing in Your Most Important “Business Partner”
Forget your ISO, your processing bank, or your top referral source. Your most critical partner in this career is the person who supports you at home.
They’re the one who listens when you vent about a deal falling through. They’re the one who celebrates with you when you land that massive restaurant group. They provide the stability and support that allows you to handle the rollercoaster of sales.
Neglecting that partnership for one more potential deal is like draining your business’s primary bank account to buy a lottery ticket. It’s a bad trade. A happy, supportive home life is the foundation for long-term success, not a distraction from it.
2. The Pipeline Can Wait. Burnout Can’t.
Merchant services is a marathon of prospecting, follow-ups, and problem-solving. It’s a high-rejection, high-reward field. The pressure is constant. Pushing through a day that should be dedicated to your personal life doesn’t make you a hero; it makes you a candidate for burnout.
A single day to recharge, connect with your “why,” and remember what you’re working for will make you infinitely more effective tomorrow. You’ll come back with a clearer head, a better attitude, and more energy to attack your goals. One day of missed calls is easily fixed. Recovering from total burnout is not.
3. The “How-To”: A Game Plan for the Sales Pro
Okay, so you’re convinced. But how do you actually disconnect without feeling like you’re letting everything fall apart?
- Set a Professional Out-of-Office: This is non-negotiable. Your email auto-reply and voicemail should be clear and firm. “Thank you for your message. I am out of the office for a personal commitment today, Wednesday, September 17th, with no access to email or phone. I will respond promptly upon my return on Thursday, September 18th.” It shows you’re planned, not flaky.
- The 24-Hour Digital Detox: This is the hard part. Turn off the work phone. Don’t just silence it. Power it down and put it in a drawer. Log out of your email on your personal phone. Resist the “quick check.” Your only job today is to be present. A half-hearted day off where you’re constantly checking notifications is more insulting than just working.
- Verbally Commit to Your Partner: Start the day by looking your spouse in the eye and saying, “Today, you are my only appointment. Nothing else matters.” This sets the tone and reinforces your commitment to them and to yourself.
No deal you could possibly close today will be worth more than the memory you can create. Your legacy isn’t built on the one extra terminal you placed on your anniversary; it’s built on the foundation of a life well-lived with the person you chose to build it with.
Alright, that’s enough shop talk for one day. It’s time for me to practice what I preach.
My only quota for the rest of the day is to close the most important deal I have: making my wife feel like the most valued person in the world. The pipeline, the proposals, and the prospects can all wait.
On that note, I’m officially logging off. I’ll talk to ya’ll tomorrow… assuming the celebration goes as planned. No promises.
Happy Selling,
David
Payment Lynx Daily 