I’m driving to work on Friday morning, after a week that feels like Wednesday could have been Friday and I’m listening to one of my favorite podcasts. It’s Employee Appreciation Day and I can’t wait to celebrate with all of the people that make EANE great! I know it will be one of those days where we will intentionally slow down and have some laughs with each other, starting with bringing in breakfast. It literally brings everyone to the table!
Normally the words in the podcast give me spirit and alignment and I’m hanging on to every one of them waiting for the next cool self-improvement tip that I can use and then add to my toolbox. Today I’m distracted. I’m thinking about my armlong to-do list and fifteen minutes of the podcast have passed and I haven’t heard a single word and I’m almost all the way to work and I can’t recall the trip. Sound familiar?? This may not be your exact scenario, but my guess is you’ve got something similar going on. Our schedules are busy and fitting in professional development can be challenging, but it’s also crucial for career growth and staying competitive in your field. Here are some strategies to help you incorporate professional development into your routine:
Prioritize and Plan: Identify the skills or knowledge areas most relevant to your career goals. Once you’ve identified these, allocate specific times in your schedule for professional development. This could be as little as 15 minutes a day or a couple of hours a week. Play the podcast!!
Set Realistic Goals: Break down your professional development into smaller, achievable goals. This could mean jumping into a virtual or in-person class once a quarter, reading one industry-related book a month, or attending a webinar every couple of weeks. EANE has HRYOUniversity >>Click Here. Find the programs that work for you. If you are looking for something specific and don’t see it here, let’s talk! Pam Thornton [email protected]
Join Professional Networks or Groups: Being part of industry-specific groups can provide opportunities for learning through in-person and online interaction and experience. Spending time with peers in your field that you don’t work with everyday can help you gain perspective.
Use Social Media Wisely: Follow industry leaders, organizations, and professional groups on LinkedIn. There are insightful articles, discussions, and resources that can contribute to your professional growth.
Set aside time regularly to review what you’ve learned and how it applies to your career goals. This can help you adjust your professional development plan as needed to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your objectives.
Remember, professional development is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about making continuous progress over time. It’s not about adding something else to your plate. By integrating learning into your daily routine and leveraging resources efficiently, you can enhance your skills and knowledge without overwhelming your schedule. You have to take care of YOU!