Have you ever thought about taking a sabbatical?
A few months ago, I decided to take one myself, following a long-term consulting engagement. It wasn’t about stepping away completely but more about creating space to focus on creative work that I’ve neglected. During this time, I’ve been preparing my Bottleneck Detective Bootcamp and updating my Agile TOC Method (ATM), drawing on the work I’ve done over the last four years.
And going for bike rides.
The word “sabbatical” comes from the Biblical practice of shmita, where every seven years, farmers would leave their land fallow to recover. The idea was to allow the soil to rest and replenish so it could be more productive in the future. In a way, that’s exactly what a sabbatical does for us mentally—stepping back can recharge our creativity and energy.
A friend, who is a doctor, told me has an optional, paid sabbatical, every seven years, built into his employment contract. Since I am self employed, I chose to invest the time in myself, rather then find new clients straight away.
These days, farmers have gotten a lot cleverer about soil management. They use crop rotations and fertilizers to fix the soil. For the same reason, you don’t have to wait seven years to take a break and recharge—you can find ways to rest and reset more often.
Have you considered taking a sabbatical - of any length?
It might be the most productive thing you've ever done, even if you do nothing productive.
I am pleasantly surprised by how rested I feel, and also, by how much good stuff I’ve gotten done.