We all want to do better in life and work. I mean, work is part of life. But sometimes you just aren’t feeling it and this might be why.
A long term study of 4,300 people done by Middlesex University in London found that 74% of respondents felt they weren’t achieving their full potential at work due to lack of development opportunities.
So when you feel like your company doesn’t care, you’re not alone. But that’s no reason you can’t improve on your own or suggest training and development to your superiors.
Here’s 4 things you can do to improve yourself while you wait on your company to invest in you.
1. Listen to Podcasts
Podcasts are some the way I get the best information about new topics and resources. I listen mainly to culture and entrepreneurship podcasts but do have a devotional one I follow as well. You can find most any topic and there are always guests on them with great information to share.
The best part is that they are free and you don’t have to spend any money to listen. Well, you have to own a device that lets you listen, but you get the point. If you aren’t into podcast listening, consider it.
I make a list that has 15 resources to help you learn and grow. It has some podcasts on there so take a look and see if any fit your style.
2. Listen to Audio Books
Let’s face it, if you are like me, finding time to read between kids, work and driving is next to impossible. I have been a long time subscriber to Audible and use it for all kinds of books. I listen to a lot of epic fiction books (like 50 hours long or more) and it’s a great way to get through those hour long drives. I’ve also taken to listening to it to go to sleep sometimes since it’s a way to read when everyone else is out and I don’t want to turn a light on.
Audiobooks are actually on the rise statistically speaking while ebooks are dropping. If you care to dig into the reasons and details, here’s a great article on that.
I said I listen to fiction books but they have all kinds on there if you haven’t looked. The point being is that this is great way to grow and develop and maybe even bring new ideas to your job in the future.
3. Take an online course
I’m a huge believer in education, but I can’t stand the traditional model of school. Now that online courses are available from individuals and sites like Skillshare, I am even more willing to learn new stuff. I dedicated myself to being a life learner a long time ago and this is one area that I practice that.
However, please proceed with caution as you jump into online courses. Thoroughly research the person offering the course and make sure it’s what you want. Many offer money back guarantees which are nice, but you don’t want to waste your time if the person isn’t a true expert.
4. 1 on 1 consulting
This has become incredibly popular as well. I actually offer it for financial, lifestyle and downsizing myself. There are a lot of people offering great advice on topics that can help you grow. My advice is to jump on their email list and watch their content for awhile. If they are consistent and clearly know what they are doing, you can invest in some help from them.
Just make sure you don’t expect that there are any “magic pills.” There no none of those in life in case you were wondering so don’t think you don’t have to work at something just because you found a coach that will help you along the way. Results come from hard work and dedication.
Implement
I hope this has been helpful for you. My goal is always to provide value and direction for what I have learned in life. I don’t know it all by any means, but I strive to continue to learn and I hope you do too.
Remember that investing in yourself is always the best idea. You will be able to improve your personal life at the very least but it oftentimes turns into much more than that. Keep learning pushing to be who you were called to be!