I think January gets far too much credit. We treat January 1 as if something magical happens at midnight and suddenly we're ready to change our habits, our businesses, our health, our relationships, our finances (all at the same time, apparently).
Sometimes you need rest. Sometimes you need perspective. Sometimes you need purpose and contribution. The challenge is knowing the difference.
We've been taught to think about sabbaticals as something extraordinary. Professors take them. Executives negotiate them. People take them between careers. They're usually long, carefully planned, and often happen after years of relentless work.
If I had to choose one book that has had the greatest impact on my life, it would be The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer. It is, without question, my favorite book of all time.