[featured-image single_newwindow=”false”]
“I barely have time to get my work done. Who has time to watch a webinar?”
Do you ever feel that way? If so, your point is valid. Many of us tend to put off our professional development, but there is high value in learning new skills, refreshing our perspective, and as Stephen Covey put it, “sharpening the saw.”
Here are four ways you can incorporate professional development into your busy life:
Harness your commute time. There are multiple podcasts that can help you learn and expand your perspective, with a bonus of not starting your day in a bad mood from listening to the news or talk radio.
Arrange to attend a conference once a year. Make the case that it is valuable for you to get away, even if it’s for a local one-day workshop. Not only will you gain from the presentations, you will make valuable connections with others.
Create a sustainable book reading goal. Since 2012, I’ve had a practice of finishing one book a month. That doesn’t mean start and finish…it means finish a book I have not yet completed. This plan seems to work for me. Maybe you could read one book a quarter, or a book every two weeks. Shoot for something you know you can sustain over time. Check out my books and others here.
Join a membership site/Become a blog supporter. I have belonged to Platform University for years because it offers a central place for resources related to building an online business. There are membership sites for almost any industry or interest, and you can drill down with their classes and discussions. Alternatively, you can follow the blog and social media presence of writers you find beneficial. This method is typically free, although some providers use sites such as Patreon to obtain financial support. (At HOPE Unlimited we have “HOPE Helpers.”*)
Use an aggregate app. Apps such as Feedly or Flipboard help you capture blog posts and articles into a central place to form a type of customized newspaper. Electronic assistants such as Alexa, Echo, etc. can do the same thing, allowing you to select news and tips that you would like to listen through each day.
Your professional development is your responsibility. Continual learning will keep you sharp, which is of great value in an ever-changing, fast-paced world. Be intentional about your growth.
*Tip: if you benefit regularly from an author/speaker, show your support by purchasing their books and products, or becoming part of their membership community. It matters.