Play Is Productive: The Hidden Power of Play in ABA Business Ownership
If you’re an ABA business owner who struggles to take a break, this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast is for you. In a refreshingly candid conversation, April and Stephen explore a side of business that doesn’t often make the to-do list: play.
They cover everything from why hobbies matter, to how stepping away from work can lead to your most creative breakthroughs. The topics in this episode are rooted in science, strategy, and real stories from the trenches of ABA entrepreneurship.
Why Hobbies Aren’t Optional
Burnout...
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is a familiar threat in the world of ABA. But what if part of the solution isn’t more productivity hacks, but actual play?
Having a hobby can act as a protective factor against burnout. Whether it’s painting, hiking, gaming, or baking, doing something just for you is more than leisure; it’s psychological armor against overwhelm and stress.
The catch? As Stephen admits, many business owners don’t even know how to have a hobby anymore. Many people with an entrepreneurial outlook tend to monetise everything they enjoy. It took him several monetised hobbies before he finally stopped at Jiu-Jitsu—starting a dojo just wasn’t on the cards.
The Science of Stepping Away
April brought up a concept that many ABA providers will recognize: incubation. That’s the psychological term for what happens when you stop consciously thinking about a problem—and your brain solves it anyway.
It’s the reason stepping away from your desk for just 15 minutes can spark a flood of ideas. Whether you're walking your dog or watering plants, those quiet moments are often when the best business insights arrive.
April and Stephen take long, mindfulness walks which often help fire off those connections about work, but the trick is to allow your mindfulness practice to finish, before pulling yourself out of it to focus on work again.
Your Phone Might Be Blocking Your Best Ideas
Stephen shares a (very) personal insight that will hit home for many: sometimes your phone is killing your creativity. The constant stream of noise, notifications, and doomscrolling can crowd out the space your brain needs to do its deeper work.
Small, intentional breaks—without tech—can give your brain the reset it’s craving.
ABA Strategies for Real-Life Rest
April draws a line between ABA and rest. You can literally apply behavior analytic thinking to your own well-being.
What can you put in place to prompt yourself to take breaks before you burn out? Maybe it’s scheduling walking meetings or creating a list of quick joy-filled activities. Whatever works for you—make it visual, make it clear, and make it easy.
Doing the Work Because You Want To
Finally, Stephen reflects on a key distinction: working long hours because you love your craft vs. doing it because you feel like you have to.
Many ABA business owners genuinely love their work—it’s why they started their practice in the first place. But when love turns into obligation and the drive becomes compulsive, it’s time to step back and ask: Am I doing this for joy, or just survival?
Final Thoughts
Play, rest, joy—these aren’t luxuries. They’re strategic tools for long-term sustainability as a business owner. And they’re within your reach.
Whether it’s a hobby you’ve neglected, a walk you’ve put off, or a few deep breaths between meetings, remember: rest is productive. And your business will be stronger for it.
🔗 Resources
✅ Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment Know where your practice stands—and what you need to fix 👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
✅ ABA Billing Tips Protect your revenue with smarter billing strategies 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
✅ Book a Free Consult with Stephen Unfiltered, practical advice for ABA business owners 👉 https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
✅ ABA Start-Up Checklist The essential roadmap for launching with clarity and confidence 👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/the_aba_business_start_up_list
