Intrigued.....?
Inspired.....?
Curious.....?
So, you feel a palpable yearning, but the idea of taking a "radical sabbatical" makes your heart race, your palms sweat and your stomach churn? Here are some suggestions to turn this endeavor from terrifying to tantalizing:
- Evaluate your self-talk — Do you focus on the negatives, the "what ifs," or do you champion yourself with positive, enthusiastic encouragement?
- Create a framework — Commit to a specific time frame in which to pursue your dream, re-evaluating regularly so that you can course-correct if necessary.
- Enlist your friends and family — Declare your dream publicly, and allow your loved ones to provide encouragement and support when your resolve is challenged.
- Look at the bigger picture — Remind yourself that this pursuit will undoubtedly be an adventure, providing invaluable personal growth and learning, no matter what the outcome.
So, now that you're raring to go, ready to tackle your dream with reckless abandon, how can you ensure the most successful and gratifying sabbatical? Here are a few tips:
- Create a "living vision" — Take the time to define your ideal sabbatical in detail. What will your days look like? What are your short and long term goals? How will you feel?
- Check your status regularly — Are you expending your time and energy in alignment with your true priorities? If not, course-correct.
- Manage self-doubt — Since this new path is unfamiliar, understand if moments of self-doubt surface. Use positive, encouraging self-talk to remind you of your courage and your capabilities.
- Choose gratitude — Take time to smell the roses. Look for everyday blessings and embrace the invaluable life lessons and gratification that come from following your dream.
Resources
Personal Coaches
Barb Wade, M.A., 818-789-9076, www.BarbWade.com
International Coach Federation, 888-236-9262, www.CoachFederation.org
Coach Inc., 800-482-6224, www.CoachInc.com
The Coaches Training Institute, 800-691-6008, www.TheCoaches.com
Books
Whistle While You Work: Heeding Your Life's Calling by Richard J. Leider, David A. Shapiro
Your Heart's Desire: Instructions for Creating the Life You Really Want by Sonia Choquette
This Time I Dance! Trusting the Journey of Creating the Work You Love: How One Harvard Lawyer Left It All to Have It All! by Tama J. Kieves
Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life by Gregg Michael Levoy
Second Acts by Stephen M. Pollan
Inspirational Newsletters
Cheryl Richardson's Newsletter
Barbara Sher's Newsletter
Daily Kickstart from CoachVille
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