Revitalizing Leadership: Lessons from a January Sabbatical

Every year, January takes on a special significance for me - not just because it marks the beginning of a new year, but because it's my birthday month. This time around, I decided to make it more than just a celebration; it became a month of reflection and restoration.

Coming out of a period of burnout, I opted for a unique approach to recovery - a self-imposed sabbatical of sorts. A key event was a long weekend spent with my parents, where the highlight was an unexpected adventure: going on a rollercoaster with my 84-year-old father. 🎢 This special time with my parents was a vivid reminder of the joy of spending quality time with them (as captured in the picture)

I also delved into various activities that brought joy and purpose. Learning a new song on the piano became a therapeutic journey, creating a small elf village in a glass ball tapped into my creative side, a new stretch routine introduced a welcomed change, and hitting my sleep goal 5 days a week helped me to feel well rested and boosted my energy. Organizing my closet and lending a hand to my son for his video game creation project added a sense of accomplishment.

One unexpected gem during this time was watching "Wonka" three times in theaters - not just for the love of the prequel to this classic tale but because it served as a wellspring of inspiration (I highly recommend you see it).

Gratitude filled my days as I embraced these moments, and three key learnings emerged:

1. Joy in Simple Moments: Rollercoaster rides and elf villages may seem small, but they hold immense joy. Finding delight in simplicity is a powerful mindset shift.

2. Balance is Vital: A mix of creativity, physical activity, rest and personal connections brought a much needed balance that contributed to a sense of well-being.

3. Inspiration is Everywhere: From a movie to a rollercoaster ride, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. It's a matter of being open to it.

As leaders, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care and rejuvenation. My January sabbatical reinforced the significance of taking intentional breaks. So, here's my encouragement to fellow leaders: Take the time, no matter how small, to do things that refresh and inspire you. It's not just a gift to yourself but an investment in your leadership journey. 🌟

#Reflections #LeadershipJourney #LeadershipDevelopment