Creative Sabbatical

Posted on November 21, 2011 in For Real, Inspiration, Life & Creative Work | 0 Encouraged Comments

After 6 years of owning and operating my own business with 2011 being my year of entrepreneurial ventures, I’ve been tinkering with the practice of a Creative Sabbatical.

Not too different in practice than Stefan Sagmeister’s 1 year increments of retirement, just much smaller in scale. After 3 weeks of rest (with one more to go), I can tell you the proof is in the pumpkin pie.

Much research has been done about creativity, ideas and that allusive “aha” moment- How the wandering mind is more likely to have a “Eureka!” moment of clarity and creativity. Taking breaks and zoning out from everyday tasks has it’s challenges though. I still had to attend a few business development meetings, workshops, return emails, stay current of my income & expenses and watch the LSU – Alabama game.

I consider this my practice run. My first attempt to big-think during time off from the grind- a first draft leveling mechanism.

What I did come away with though was a focus. A singular focus I have been unable to obtain until now. Instead of spreading myself too thin by following all of my new business ideas, all the startups waiting to be vetted and tested all at once, all the internal goals for myself and partners and everything that comes with that- I’ll simply focus. On one idea. Until it’s right. Until it’s ready. To my creative spirit and A.D.D. mentality, it will be hard, but the ROI is clear when you invest in yourself.

What ideas have you come up with while pursuing sabbaticals? I’d love to hear your story through email or on our facebook page. What locations, insights or inspiration can you share that will help myself and others looking to break away now and then?

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