Employees and those seeking employment regularly find themselves learning new skills. Technology changes, programs change, and there is always something to learn.
Many people feel that once they get a job, they have the skills needed and won’t need to focus so much on learning. That is not the case. There is always something new to learn. We all need to learn new skills and knowledge on a routine basis if we want to continue to be productive and accelerate our careers. How do you approach these needs? Here are a few tips to help.
1. Learn
There are so many resources for learning. Take classes, purchase info products, books, online courses, and other learning opportunities are available. Just open your mind to the possibilities and find something to learn.
2. Find a Mentor
Is there someone you know who will take the time to help you? A friend, co-worker, coach, or someone willing to take you under their wing and mentor you. Having someone to talk with about what you are learning and why you are making certain decisions is helpful.
3. Pace Yourself
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Give it time. It takes time to learn new skills and knowledge. Baby steps are better than no steps. Think of it as a marathon and not a sprint. You might not have time to read a book but maybe a chapter today or one magazine article.
4. Ask Lots of Questions
Ask your coach, ask your peers, ask co-workers, ask, ask, ask! The more questions you ask, the more you will learn. Don’t be embarrassed that people will think you are stupid because you ask questions. I have always found the people who ask questions to be highly intelligent.
5. Get Organized
Keeping yourself organized is good for learning new skills and your work life in general. If I am taking a course, I keep everything for that course in one folder or area. Then break it down into subfolders. I keep all my notes in the same notebook for the class. Even the most unorganized people can learn to be organized.
6. Set Priorities
As we mentioned, you have to pace yourself, and if you set proper priorities and take one step at a time, you will progress. You have to keep your priorities in focus, or the simple but urgent things will become the most important and steal time from your priorities.
7. Remember Your Mission
Why are you learning this new skill or knowledge? How will you use it in your business? Remember, this is what you need to be doing, for now, to qualify for a particular job or advancement, and it deserves your attention.
8. Perfection is Not the Goal
Learning to do the skill or use the knowledge well is essential, but you do not need to be perfect. If you wait till you can do the skill to perfection, you are missing lots of opportunities for success.
9. Be A Completer
If you start a course or a project to learn new skills or knowledge, finish the course. Don’t lose interest and quit halfway through. Be a completer. If you need to find someone to hold you accountable, then do so.
10. Implement, Implement, Implement
Learning isn’t enough. Once you learn a new skill or knowledge, you need to implement it immediately. Those that take action and implement quickly have the best chance for success. An accountability coach or partner can also help with this area.
11. Learn to Say “NO”
You can’t do everything! While you are learning new skills, other opportunities and bright shiny objects will come your way. You must learn to say “NO” to some of these things—other courses, different coaches, etc. Learn what to say “NO” to and what to embrace, and you will do yourself and your career a favor.
Everyone has personal goals and dreams for their future, but you must be open to learning new things to reach those goals. There is no better time than NOW to start learning and advancing your career.
I Am Here To Help
I would love to speak with you to determine if I can help you accomplish your goals. If you need guidance on your career, I am here to help. If you find yourself in a situation where you need career advice or support and want to talk about planning for your future, reach out to me, Rachel Schneider, at Career Find, for a free Intro Call.