Winning by Stepping Back: The Underdog’s Secret to Success

February 10, 2025 | Read Online

Read time: 4 mins…

Welcome back, folks 🫡

This week’s Business Builder Bulletin covers:
🏝️ How my Christmas break changed everything
🥊 Why I make time for breaks every week (like Saturday’s boxing match with my son)
💡 The Power of Deep Work (and how to actually focus)
🔥 How to avoid burnout before it hits
🚀 The productivity paradox (less work = more results)

Let’s go… 👇

How My Christmas Break Made Me a Better Business Owner

Over Christmas, I did something I hadn’t done in years… I fully switched off.

No emails, no last-minute work calls, no “just checking in.”

I spent real time with family, ate way too much food, and actually relaxed for once.

And when I came back in January? I was sharper, more focused, and actually excited to work again.

It made me realize something: We don’t just need one big break a year. We need to take breaks all the time.

That’s why I’ve made it a priority to take time for myself every week—even when things are busy.

Like this Saturday, when I went to the boxing match with my son.

The Underdog Mindset: Lessons from Derek Chisora

The fight we watched was incredible. Derek Chisora—a fighter who’s been on a true journey—stepped into the ring as the underdog.

Most people had already written him off. He’s had his fair share of losses. At times, it looked like his best days were behind him.

But Derek Chisora doesn’t quit.

He fought with everything he had, left it all in the ring, and won convincingly.

The crowd went wild.

That’s why he has such a huge following—not because he’s unbeatable, but because he always gives everything he has, no matter what.

He’s proof that losing doesn’t define you—giving up does.

And that got me thinking...

How many business owners feel like the underdog?

How many of us have taken hits, lost deals, or had months that didn’t go to plan?

How many of us are on the edge of burnout but keep pushing, hoping we’ll get that big win?

The truth is, pushing harder isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, stepping back is what helps you come back stronger.

The ‘Step Away’ Strategy

Taking a break isn’t a luxury. It’s a strategy.

Here’s why:

🧠 Your Brain Needs Space – When you’re always “on,” you don’t get the distance needed for fresh ideas. The best insights happen when you’re NOT working.

⚡ Burnout Kills Productivity – You’re not a machine. Overwork leads to exhaustion, exhaustion leads to bad decisions. And bad decisions cost you money.

📊 You Make Smarter Business Moves – Ever notice how your best business ideas come in the shower, on a walk, or on vacation? That’s no accident. Stepping away gives you perspective.

The Productivity Paradox: Less Work = More Results

After my Christmas break, something crazy happened.

✅ I made faster decisions (because I wasn’t second-guessing everything).
✅ I felt excited about my business again (instead of drained by it).
✅ I solved problems I’d been stuck on for months (without even trying).

Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is walk away.

But what about when you’re actually working?

This is where a second, equally important idea comes in…

The Power of Deep Work (and Why You Can’t Focus)

Taking breaks isn’t just about resting. It’s about training your brain to focus when it matters.

Right now, most people are stuck in shallow work:

❌ Constant notifications
❌ Replying to emails all day
❌ Checking social media every 10 minutes
❌ Feeling "busy" but not actually getting things done

But real success comes from deep work—focused, uninterrupted time spent on high-impact tasks.

Here’s how to actually get into deep work mode:

🕑 Time-Block Your Day – Set 2–3 hours for focused work, with no interruptions.
📵 Turn Off Notifications – Your phone is a distraction machine. Airplane mode is your friend.
🚪 Create a ‘Do Not Disturb’ Zone – Close your door, put on noise-canceling headphones, do whatever it takes.
⏳ Use the 90-Minute Rule – Work deeply for 90 minutes, take a break, then repeat.

When you combine deep work with intentional breaks, you hit a whole new level of productivity.

Your Next Step

So here’s what I challenge you to do this week:

1️⃣ Schedule time away from your business. Even if it’s just one full day.
2️⃣ Identify your biggest distraction. Is it your phone? Slack? Meetings? Cut it out.
3️⃣ Try a 90-minute deep work session. No notifications. No checking email. Just pure focus.

Do this, and I guarantee you’ll feel re-energized, more productive, and actually in control of your business.

You didn’t start your business to feel overwhelmed.

You started it to have more time, more freedom, and more impact.

And it all starts by stepping back & focusing on what truly matters.

Until next time,
[Graeme] 🚀