You know what they say, if you want something done properly, do it yourself. This is also true when it comes to your personal growth trajectory – no one’s going to focus on your learning and development, or think it’s as important, as you will. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s how to maintain that passion and motivation for the long term!
Tip 1: Follow your passion
If you delve into something that does not match your interests, your motivation will of course, immediately drop. So, create a curriculum that reflects your passion and set these against your goal of what it is you are trying to achieve, so that when things get tough or boring (and they will), you’ll get through it more easily. Even stick post-it notes on your computer or set a desktop background that reminds you of your passion and why you want to keep developing yourself – looking at these consciously or unconsciously every day will help to keep you motivated.
Tip 2: Plan and share your goals
You should now have an idea which courses or training you want to follow. To stick to these, make a plan with your learning goals. Make sure that you do not make these too big and that they’re achievable in the short term.
Once you’ve set up your schedule and goals for yourself, share them with those around you. Learning is something you do alone, but by sharing it with your manager, your partner or best friend for example, this can motivate you strongly. This way you have someone to whom you are accountable, and who can encourage you when necessary.
Tip 3: Make learning ‘appointments’
Set up specific time in your diary when it is you’re going to learn – and keep to them! Remember that it’s an investment into you, so while it can be difficult when things are busy, your development is important enough to put other things aside for a while. Don’t do this on Friday afternoon if you know you’ll already have your head in the weekend, instead think about what time works best for you.
Cancelling an appointment with a client, colleague or friend can be detrimental to your relationship with them, so by not keeping your appointment, you’re potentially harming the relationship you have with yourself.
Tip 4: Be kind to yourself
You have to remember that things can’t always go perfectly. Some days will be more difficult than others – acknowledge when you are struggling and remind yourself that you are working hard to improve yourself. If you can only fit in half an hour of learning when you had originally planned to do one hour then that’s OK – after all, it’s still half an hour more than if you had done nothing at all!
Another way to be kind to yourself is by celebrating your small successes. Have you completed a course, or managed to fit in some quality training during a hectic week? Treat yourself to your favourite snack, catch up with friend over coffee, or buy yourself a bunch of flowers. Celebrating your successes will keep you in that positive mood to keep going!
SkillsTown are the leaders in professional learning and development. Contact us today for a free demo, we’d love to show you our platform and how easy it is to learn!
