Now Is Your Time
George Carlin once said "The only thing you truly own is your time." This quote rings true, especially in an era with so much technological advancement. It's easier than ever to learn new things. You can educate yourself on any topic you've always been curious about, be it art history or particle physics as career-boosting skills for your resume.
In an interview with MSNBC.com, Jill Duffy, author of "Two Weeks in Paris: A Memoir of Romance, Food and Fashion" talked about the importance of continuing to learn even well into adulthood.
It's never too late to learn a new skill — or two. In fact, the more you know how to do, the more valuable you become to an employer. A more challenging job, one in which you can apply all your skills, gives the mind a greater workout. So the earlier you develop some new talents and teach yourself, the better.
It all starts with a plan. "Whatever it is that you want to learn, think about how you're going to achieve it. Set goals," says Duffy.
"To make sure that you continue to learn," she explains, "create a curriculum for yourself. For example, I had a calendar hanging on the fridge with a weekly reminder of all the things that I wanted to do. Beginning every Monday morning, I would open my closet, pull out my clothes and make sure that every evening by 7:30 or 8 p.m., I would have gotten everything done for the week. That's how I became fluent in French."
Many adults fear that if they begin something new, they'll never be able to stop. It's important, however, to look at ways to break up the monotony. For example, Duffy recommends taking a class that has several different intervals that can be worked into their routine. She also pre-planned some music projects she wanted to learn during her time abroad.
In the same interview, author Tom Chiarella talks about the importance of not being afraid to take a chance and trying something new, especially as you age: "Students are being taught how to do things by teachers who have passed away or retired," he says. "What if we just said, 'Screw that. Let's learn it ourselves.'"
You have the freedom to decide what you want to learn and how you want to learn it. Set aside your fears, and pick up a book, start an online course or even just try something new one day a week. The experience will enrich your life in more ways than one.
Source: "It's never too late to learn a new skill — or two." MSNBC . (January 27th, 2014). http://www.msnbc.com/melissa-harris-perry/its-never-too-late-learn-new-skill
Title: "Tips to Get Your Career on the Fast Track"
Source: No Author. "Tips to Get Your Career on the Fast Track." Inabilitytopaystudentloan. (n.d.). http://inabilitytopaystudentloan.blogspot.com/2011/08/tips-to-get-your-career-on-fasttrack.html
'Tips to Get Your Career on the Fast Track'
By: Brad Kates, Monster Contributing Writer
August 18, 2011
Do you feel as though your career is stagnating? If you're looking to break out of a rut and move up the ladder more quickly than you have been, consider implementing these seven tips.
Learn from Your Peers
Even if you're in a position that doesn't allow you to travel the globe, chances are there are still opportunities for industry-to-industry networking. Look outside your immediate geographic area and see if you can identify peers who might have an idea or two that could benefit you. Use Twitter and LinkedIn to find them, or attend industry conferences to network face-to-face.
Keep Your Goals in Mind
If you're sitting at your desk and thinking about what you want to do after retirement, it might be time for a career change. Many experts recommend that you set goals when you're in the workplace so that when the day comes where the noise fades from your ears and you know it's time to pack up and move on, you'll have a plan ready to go. A goal can be as simple as increasing sales by 20 percent for example.
Conclusion:
How many of the above advice can you do? As you go through your life, make sure that you are learning new things and think of thousands of questions. Possessing knowledge is one of the best ways to become smarter, even more than just reading more books. If you wish to be more successful in your future, start doing what books can't do! As Einstein said: "Everything should be made as simple as possible but no simpler." Don't let the fear of failure hold you back and keep learning.
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Now Is Your Time