Sabbatical from Work? Start Here!

Many people envy academics who take sabbaticals. What they don't realize is that sabbaticals are not designed as time on the beach. You are supposed to use your free time to accomplish specific projects. Often you are not allowed to embark on a sabbatical if your plans seem vague or unproductive.

Have a plan that includes fun.

How do you want to play? Did you always want to spend a year at the movies, take a ceramics class, write nonstop all morning, or begin each day with a blank slate?

If this idea is totally new, even scary, you may want to practice on weekends. You may need to identify what you really want to do before you start. A coach can help.

After you know what you want to do,

Design playful activities.

I recommend two types of goals: a creativity goal and a physical activity goal.

A creativity goal involves developing a new side of yourself, using some combination of art, music, drama, and writing. You may become an artist or take "appreciation" classes. If you travel, you can keep a journal, visit art museums or attend concerts.

No ideas? Check out The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron, available at any bookstore. I am willing to bet that you will have no trouble identifying playful activities as you work through the program.

Physical activity can be as simple as walking or as rigorous as training for a marathon. Learn a new sport. Dance. Work with a trainer in the weight room. People tell me over and over, "I felt stronger as a person when my body became stronger."

Some goals are unique combinations of the physical and the creative. "Build a cabin on my property," "Sail my boat to the island and back," "Walk the length of the state of California and keep a journal."

Set a time limit for your Time Out.

Over three months, you can sign up for a class in pottery or piano. You can complete The Artist's Way program.

Six months? You can draft a short book or outline a longer one.

Six weeks? You can travel or go to workshops or see all the movies you didn't have time for.

A time limit can free you. Someone I know (call her Janet) finished her MBA and began drifting. She worked part-time in a restaurant in a charming resort town. She felt no rush to get a corporate job to begin her career. After several months, the restaurant closed and Janet's parents reminded her, "We supported you through school so you could get a real job!"

Janet eventually built her own successful business, but she says a time limit would have given her a sense of direction. Don't drift. You can always start a new Time Out if you're ready.

I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

---

Focus On Your Goals Without Envying Others

Many of us waste too much time envying others instead... Read More

Goal Setting and Goal Getting: Go Use This Stuff!

Q. I have always had such trouble with doing this... Read More

On Achievement

If a comatose person were to earn an interest of... Read More

Perfection the Un-Live-Able Goal

When we have a thought or idea that we want... Read More

Mission Statements Improve Goal Setting and Decision Making

A Mission Statement consists of a short phrase or a... Read More

Time for a Change

As 2005 approaches, many of us are thinking about change.... Read More

Giving Up Too Soon

So you feel beaten up and bruised and you're ready... Read More

Six keys to keys build vision - point four

4. Start somewhere (put to use what you already have)"Action... Read More

Creating the Best Year of Your Life

At the end of each year, and on their birthdays,... Read More

The Twin Actions of Accomplishment

When it comes to achieving accomplishments there are two foundational... Read More

Put Wings On Your Dreams

We Need DreamsDreams are important. Not the dreams you have... Read More

Weave Your Own Web

Many elementary school children know the miracle of Charlotte's Web.... Read More

The Value of Focus in Reaching Your Goals

"One aught never to turn one's back on a threatened... Read More

Is There An Anxiety Solution For Those Who Fail To Keep Their Resolutions?

In a nutshell... YES!I've given a lot of thought recently... Read More

Exploring Beneath The Surface

Unwanted feelings and thoughts are rich territory to dive beneath... Read More

Is that W-A-L-R-U-S?

A few years back, I went to London, England. I... Read More

Goal Setting and Interviewing

Before you go on an interview process or even start... Read More

I Need to Accomplish Something

Do you have trouble taking a day off? Boy, I... Read More

Business Goal Setting and Then Following Through

Your business can't go according to plan if you have... Read More

Achieve Your Goals By Eating The Frog And The Elephant

Brian Tracy, the great motivational guru, often suggests that people... Read More

The Power of Why: Setting Intention-Oriented Goals

Everyone ? particularly business coaches like me - talks about... Read More

Mind Over Matter -- The Power of Thoughts

One of the greatest challenges in life is understanding just... Read More

Broken Sleep

For the past several weeks, I have not been sleeping... Read More

A Secret Technique that Entrepreneurs Can Use to Almost GUARANTEE Success!

If you were to walk up and ask successful and... Read More

Reasons That Move You Bring Clarity, Focus, Determination, and Momentum

Are your goals SMART? ? Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rewarding, Time-DeadlinedJust... Read More

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

The Hasidic master, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach taught that on Passover... Read More

The Importance of Aligning Your Personal Goals With Your Business Goals: Part 3 of a Series

Would you like to be sure that your personal goals... Read More

Getting To The Top By Fits And Starts

I would venture to believe that most people have the... Read More

Focus on Your Goals

Focus is the single most important factor that will determine... Read More

Journal Your 100 Life Goals

Journal Your 100 Life GoalsBy Doreene ClementRecording and tracking your... Read More

Top Ten Ways to Achieve Your Goals

1) Write them down! Statistics show people who write down... Read More

Resolution: Stop Dieting for the Health of it!

"Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual... Read More

Make Your Dreams Reachable

All too often, we may be envisioning a level of... Read More