Several months ago, I took a ‘radical sabbatical’ to recalibrate and decide on the next steps for my career. I must admit, that one month now seems like several years ago.
Why?
Because I wanted to do something new and different and I wasn’t sure what that was. I found myself floundering and I couldn’t decide. I was stalled. My mind was like an old gerbil wheel and it kept going faster with no real insights about what road to take.
I was in analysis paralysis.
I took that month of no writing and minimal coaching and absolutely no new projects. Until…
I finally decided it was time to put all my long-term programs online and offer them to a larger audience around the world.
I am delighted with the decision. It took till the end of the second week of my radical sabbatical to find my new path and I couldn’t be happier.
I have been learning so much about best practices for marketing material and in doing so, I am also learning to see my work in a new and different way.
I also learned a faster and simpler way to new ways of thinking that I want to share with you here.
Stay with me, please….
Imagine sitting at the edge of a lake with your feet dangling in the water. It’s sunset and the sky is filled with pink, fluffy clouds. It is quiet.
You are alone. Just you, bullfrogs, the butterflies, and the breeze.
You breathe in the clean country air. At first, your mind is still on the latest frustration at work, the conflicts and tensions of getting things done. You are aware of the stress in your shoulders as you reenact the ‘shoulds, coulds, and didn’ts ‘ that put your stomach in a knot.
You are ready for, if not a radical sabbatical, at least for a time to unplug and relax.
Here are some tips to help you take a short holiday from your everyday trials and tribulations. And the good news is, you can do this every day to refuel and revision what you need to do next.
You can take your mind for a walk in the park, a moment at the lake, a day at the beach and yes, you can do this without leaving your desk.
How to take a mini radical sabbatical
- Twenty minutes: This is the time science has shown it takes for you to calm your thoughts. You can call it meditation or simply being silent. All you need to do is focus on your breath; in through your nose and out through your mouth. Simply say “in†as you inhale and “out†when you exhale. You will begin to relax and very shortly the tension will melt from your body. Then you magically make space for new ideas to appear and old issues become easier to solve.
- Ten minutes: Get up on your feet. Now it’s time to walk. Anywhere is fine. Just focus on your feet. Notice how you put each foot on the earth. Start with your heel and then slide to your toe. Notice if you put different pressure on your right or left foot. Go slowly and simply say “right “and then “left.†You will soon get into a comfortable rhythm and for 10 minutes you can simply be anywhere on the planet you prefer. AND, if possible, walk barefoot in the grass. This has been shown to really help with health and well-being.
- Five minutes: Hummmmm. Yup, keep your mouth closed and start to hum. Play with different octaves. Start low and go high or vice versa. You may even get a bit dizzy, enjoy the feeling. You are really giving yourself an oxygen boost. When you stop, you’ll feel energized.
You don’t need six months or even a week to feel different. You need just a bit over half an hour to be by yourself and get centered. Most of us don’t take the time to readjust our nervous systems.
See this as your radical sabbatical and let me know how you feel.
