Exploring Liminal Spaces with HBS's DJ DiDonna

Would you take four months away from work? Have you ever wondered who you'd be without your job for a while? In this episode, I sit down with Harvard Business School lecturer and The Sabbatical Project founder Dennis “DJ” DiDonna to talk about why many of us keep pushing until burnout forces us to stop, how intentional time away creates space to reflect on what really matters, and why rest isn't about doing nothing. DJ also shares ways to plan a sabbatical, navigate the uncertainty that comes with slowing down, and return with a stronger sense of purpose. Get ready to rethink time off as an investment in the life and career you want to build. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 A new way to think about time away from work. 05:30 How sabbaticals create space for renewal instead of escape. 07:15 What is a sabbatical? 10:00 How burnout led DJ to rethink the life he was building. 15:00 Why achievement often comes at the expense of the people who matter most. 21:45 What are the benefits of stepping away from work? 26:45 When is the perfect time for a sabbatical? 32:15 What are the 3 types of sabbatical takers? 36:00 Why reconnecting with your craft can restore creativity. 41:00 How do you give yourself permission? 46:00 Are sabbaticals always relaxing? 49:00 How stepping away from work can make you a better leader. 53:00 Why taking time off is an investment, not an escape. 57:30 DJ's advice for planning your first sabbatical. Resources + Links Learn more about DJ DiDonna HERE Pre-order a copy of DJ DiDonna’s book Big Time Off HERE Learn more about The Sabbatical Project HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow DJ DiDonna on LinkedIn: @djdidonna