The question of whether to continue to expand your knowledge and education seems like a no-brainer when stated in its simple terms. Who seriously doesn’t want to grow professionally? Yet as women, we tend to put forth many excuses as to why we can’t. Such statements as “I don’t have the time”, “I have a family”, “The kids get in the way”, “I am getting married”, “I am getting divorced.” Whatever the circumstances are, do you think men don’t have the same life circumstances? The difference is that men don’t prioritize them over their growth.
I am a strong believer in personal development; I have always invested in my growth and attribute my success to the knowledge and confidence I have gained. I have had plenty of self-talk and have learned to quiet down the voice that tells me why I can’t do something. This is the most challenging thing to conquer as we stretch to meet or goals. So how do you manage it?
First, be clear on what you want to accomplish – don’t shy away from the difficult things and don’t go for the easy things just to say you did something. What will get you closer to that promotion or obtaining new clients? Let’s take an example: you decide you want to take a licensing exam. You know that this exam is going to open new opportunities and it is already putting you at an advantage over others or at par with your colleagues. The challenge is that you hate tests, you are a terrible test taker and you would rather get a root canal. These are all feelings. You need to control and not let them take over your rational thoughts. Continue to focus on the goal you set for yourself.
Getting started can be simple if you don’t over think it.
Step 1: Get the materials. This is a basic step but an important one. It is your first step to commitment. If it is a course you are looking to take, then sign up. Don’t think about it because you will “think” with your feelings of the reasons you can’t do it.
Step 2: Establish your routine. I have a 4-year-old and a hectic career. I know the value of time and the scarcity of it but I also know we don’t always treat time wisely. My clearest time is in the morning as I have no interruptions and can get in one hour of quiet time from 7am to 8am. When I first began getting up on Saturday mornings, I was not happy. Like a teenage child rebelling, I felt like sleeping in. I rationalized why I needed to sleep in; after all, I deserved it since I woke up early every morning. Once again it is our feelings that take over. I now do it as a matter of routine and it doesn’t phase me. So, take the time you carve out to establish your learning routine. If the book has 14 chapters, then it will take you 14 focus days to get through the material. It is your timeline and the time goes by so fast and before you know it, you will be onto your next class.
Step 3: Establish your end date. Without having your goal date, you will not hold yourself accountable to taking the exam or completing the course. Make it realistic and provide yourself some buffer time. In our example, if you need 14 days to get through the material, build in time for practice tests and a few hours to review more difficult chapters. This may take you to 19 days or 19 weeks if this is a Saturday routine.
Step 4: Take the test and celebrate. Not only taking the test but completing your challenge of making time for your self-improvement. You will be amazed how one course at a time you will accomplish so much growth over time.
-Bellaria Jimenez
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