In the spring, before I went on sabbatical, I sensed that after the summer I would relate to my work differently. I wasn’t sure how or what exactly would change, but I trusted that it would become clear over time.

A period of three months of true freedom is special and can have a profound impact on a person, as I’ve experienced. One of the most important things I became even more aware of is that life is happening now. That may sound simple—and at its core, it is—but it’s still challenging to truly translate that into everyday life.

Reflecting on how I had worked during the first four months of the year, it quickly became clear to me: I love what I do, but the way I do it… I no longer want to work like that.

Just before my sabbatical, I had a period with four different programs, during which five groups were going through their development. I had several coaching clients and a couple of in-company assignments. My entire calendar was packed; every minute had to count—and it did. I had no space to reflect, to do nothing for a moment. For example, as soon as an online coaching session or group meeting ended and I left the Zoom room, I immediately switched to the next task. And on and on!

That’s not how I want to work anymore—but how then?
The starting point is: life is now. The question arose: What do I want now? What do I truly wish to do now?

What became even clearer to me during my sabbatical is that I need to move my body, to feel fit, to be outside, to feel connected to friends and family, to work with focus and intention, and to experience that I make a difference in the lives of others.

I’ve recently started translating this into a new morning routine, where I set aside half an hour to go for a run or do strength training. After lunch, as I already did, I go for a half-hour walk and practice being present with my senses (what do I see, hear, feel). At the end of the afternoon, I’ve also started building a new routine: between 5 and 6 p.m., I go for another 45-minute walk. During that time, I often choose to call someone while walking and catch up.

This way, I work about 1.5 hours less per day than before and choose to spend my time differently—more in alignment with what I truly want, now.
The most critical key, besides planning and taking action, was changing the script in my head. It’s about giving myself permission, accepting that this is okay, and allowing it for myself.

What do you want your day to look like, if you’re completely honest with yourself?
What’s still holding you back from shaping it that way?
What might you be prioritizing over what you truly want?

Take a moment this week to reflect on these questions. Be honest with yourself and let the answers arise.

And perhaps the core question is: Who do you want to be in relation to yourself?

Wishing you many insights!