How is it that we get so caught up in doing stuff that we overlook the important effort in helping ourselves improve?
One of the reasons is that we tend to overlook the “important but not urgent” stuff in favor of what is directly in front of us.
Investing in yourself is a key career strategy. The difference between high achievers and those who are stuck many times is that the higher achievers have invested in their own success.
Here are 5 suggestions of how you might invest in your own success:
- Take a workshop, a class, or go to a seminar: Not only will you learn things that can help you succeed, you may meet high achievers similar to you who may be of value in your network.
- Attend a webinar: Webinars abound on the internet. Some are even free! Attend one, focus on it completely (don’t do other work while viewing it), take notes, and come up with 3 “learnings” that you will apply to your work.
- Read a Trade Magazine or do research on a topic on the internet: Choose a topic related to your line of work and dig deeper into it. Learn more than your colleagues.
- Chat with an expert: Invite someone whose knowledge you admire to lunch, or coffee. Ask for their opinions. Listen to their answers. Apply those nuggets to your work.
- Volunteer: Choose a cause that matters to you, and volunteer in a position that will sharpen skills you want to develop. This is a risk free way to develop skills, and you might make some great contacts in the process!
This list is by far not exhaustive. What other ways have you invested in yourself?
