| Many people envy academics who take sabbaticals. | | | | marathon. Learn a new sport. Dance. Work with a |
| What they don't realize is that | | | | trainer in the weight room. People |
| sabbaticals are not designed as time on the beach. | | | | tell me over and over, "I felt stronger as a person |
| You are supposed to use your | | | | when my body became stronger."Some goals are |
| free time to accomplish specific projects. Often you | | | | unique combinations of the physical and the creative. |
| are not allowed to embark on a | | | | "Build a cabin |
| sabbatical if your plans seem vague or | | | | on my property," "Sail my boat to the island and back," |
| unproductive.(1) Have a plan that includes fun.How do | | | | "Walk the length of the state |
| you want to play? Did you always want to spend a | | | | of California and keep a journal."(3) Set a time limit for |
| year at the movies, take a | | | | your Time Out.Over three months, you can sign up for |
| ceramics class, write nonstop all morning, or begin | | | | a class in pottery or piano. You can |
| each day with a blank slate?If this idea is totally new, | | | | complete The Artist's Way program.Six months? You |
| even scary, you may want to practice on weekends. | | | | can draft a short book or outline a longer one.Six |
| You | | | | weeks? You can travel or go to workshops or see all |
| may need to identify what you really want to do | | | | the movies you didn't have |
| before you start. A coach can help.(2) Get creative.I | | | | time for.A time limit can free you. Someone I know |
| recommend two types of goals: a creativity goal and | | | | (call her Janet) finished her MBA and |
| a physical activity goal.A creativity goal involves | | | | began drifting. She worked part-time in a restaurant in |
| developing a new side of yourself, using some | | | | a charming resort town. She |
| combination of art, music, drama, and writing. You may | | | | felt no rush to get a corporate job to begin her |
| become an artist or take | | | | career. After several months, the |
| "appreciation" classes. If you travel, you can keep a | | | | restaurant closed and Janet's parents reminded her, |
| journal, visit art museums or | | | | "We supported you through |
| attend concerts.No ideas? Check out The Artist's | | | | school so you could get a real job!"Janet eventually |
| Way, by Julia Cameron, available at any bookstore. I | | | | built her own successful business, but she says a time |
| am willing to bet that you will have no trouble | | | | limit would |
| identifying playful activities as you | | | | have given her a sense of direction. |
| work through the program.Physical activity can be as | | | | Don't drift. You can always start a new Time Out if |
| simple as walking or as rigorous as training for a | | | | you're ready. |