Set Some Learning Goals for Yourself … and Be Reenergized

 

Ever thought of lifelong learning as a staple? Like eating your fruits and veggies daily, learning can help you stay motivated and give you a fresh perspective. 

If you’re feeling unmotivated at work, perhaps all you need is the fresh perspective learning can give you. “The lifelong learner and wonder-seeker in each of us awaits,” says Jennifer Hamady for Psychology Today.

From an organization's perspective, training helps prepare employees for the future; but it also increases loyalty. The number one reason employees choose to leave an organization is lack of growth opportunities, reports the Association for Talent Development. And, according to a survey conducted by The Muse, 59% of respondents said that learning and growth opportunities was the most important factor in determining whether a potential employer would be a good fit.

Does your organization offer training and career growth opportunities? Do you take advantage of them?

“Spending 40-60-80 hours somewhere each week … I want it to mean something. I want to feel like I’m moving forward somehow,” suggest Beverly Kaye and Julie Winkle Giulioni in their book Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go. This ongoing career development is also vital to you and your organization’s survival in a business world that’s constantly changing.

While this book is aimed at management (as an encouragement to develop employees), the message is sound for every business professional. Hamady suggests that as people travel down life’s timeline from learning to walk and talk, going to school, attending college, getting a job … and finally retiring, there is a gap in expectations for our working years. “… when expectations are lacking, we fail to rise to meet them.”

How can we change this?

If your company offers training and you’re not taking advantage of it, the solution is simple -- just do it!

• Make a list of areas that you would like to learn more about
• Talk with your boss about options for training or taking on bigger challenges
• Find the resources that can bridge skill gaps or help you explore interests

 

Need help convincing your boss? Check out our templated "ask" letter.

 

If your company doesn’t currently support your continuing career growth, what can you do? 

• Open a discussion with your boss about employee education and training
• If possible, tie your specific training request to time savings, i.e., a new skill will enable you to complete certain projects faster
• Budgeting for training may also be a concern for your boss. Think about the budget planning process at your company -- could you give a longer lead time, giving management time to plan for the expense?
• Also consider how your new skills might help your organization make more money

Many of us think of professional development as employer driven -- the boss wants us to learn more about sexual harassment or customer service or any number of other topics. But it’s your career. If you’re stalled, bored and coasting, learn something new and reenergize.

 

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Not sure where to start? Check out or training categories and the many topics within each one!