This Community Voices column on AI is written by Dawn Winterhalter Parks, the director of BizAccessHub at Northern Kentucky University.
Ever grown tomatoes?
They ripen slowly, then all at once. One day, you’re checking every plant for a sign of red. The next, you’ve got 40 pounds of fruit, and no idea what to do with all of it. Your counters are full. Every bowl is overflowing. You’re googling salsa recipes and wondering how long tomatoes last on the windowsill.
That’s what running a business looks like: quiet times followed by everything demanding your attention at once. Emails. Deadlines. Payroll. Customer issues. Marketing.
What kind of vacation do you actually want?
Let’s be honest: Most business owners don’t dream of a luxury yacht getaway. They dream of being unreachable for 48 hours without the sky falling.
Are you the “check email twice a day” kind of vacationer? Or do you dream of disappearing completely for a week—with no dings, pings or Slack notifications?
Wherever you land, let’s make space for some version of unplugged. Not the fantasy version. Just a better, more sustainable one.
Because we don’t get to peace of mind overnight. But we can move toward it.
What’s stopping you? (Be honest)
If you’re already thinking “I can’t take a break right now,” stop and figure out why.
Is it client communication? Sales drying up? A fear that things will fall apart without you?
Great. Now you’ve got your first clue. That specific stressor? That’s the system you need to build or fix first.
And look—I’m not a therapist. Some of us keep ourselves busy because we’re afraid of what happens when we stop. That’s a different kind of vacation prep.
But for most business owners, it’s not about trauma or laziness. It’s about logistics. And which things we can use AI and automation to fix.
Use AI to fix the fixable
You don’t need to be techy. You just need to be curious.
Pick one worry—just one. Then sit down with your digital assistant. (Mine is ChatGPT, and yes, I call her Shirley.)
Type this:
“Shirley, I’m trying to take a vacation in three weeks. What can I automate or prep so that I’m not constantly checking in?”
“I can’t pick one problem—help me figure it out.”
If you’re still spinning your wheels and feeling overwhelmed, let ChatGPT act more like a coach. Try this:
“ChatGPT, I want to take a break soon, but I’m feeling anxious about it. Can you ask me some questions to help me figure out what’s actually worrying me and what I can do about it?”
Let it guide you.
Helpful tools that aren’t overwhelming
No need for 100 new tools. Just try one or two:
- ChatGPT: Brainstorm, prep emails, create plans.
- Otter.ai or Fathom: Let it take notes on calls for you.
- Mailchimp or GoHighLevel: Keep follow-ups going while you’re away.
- Canva: Batch your content so it’s scheduled before you leave.
The tools are here. They’re not perfect, but they’re better than burning out.
Don’t just delegate tasks—delegate decisions
One final shift: Stop thinking of delegation as just “handing things off.”
Instead, create rules.
“If a client cancels, offer these 3 options.”
“If we don’t post by Thursday, use a post from this folder.”
“If no new leads come in this week, send this nurture email sequence.”
This is how you create space. Not by doing less—but by deciding less.
The real reward
A few hours or days “off.” Whatever your version looks like, you can build it. One tomato at a time.
If you have an idea for a Community Voices column, email Meghan Goth at mgoth@linknky.com.
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