The Attitude That Will Bring Your Career To a Grinding Halt

Keen to advance within your career? Then you're probably aware that there are a plethora of programs and courses that promise to help you with your career development. Well, I'm the first to suggest that you closely evaluate the cost-benefit of any such offerings... but, in general, I do think investing in your education is important.

Nevertheless, no matter whether or not you invest in formal learning, I firmly believe that continuous, informal learning should be a key component of your career development plan. What's "informal learning"? Well it's reading books, subscribing to newsletters, reading journals and other publications, attending seminars and workshops, joining membership programs... and even surfing the Net for helpful articles (like this one!). And if there's something I'm adamant about, it's having a personal policy of always learning. Even learning entirely non-career-related things that challenge your thinking and help you expand and grow as a person.

Which brings me to the harmful attitude that will almost certainly stall, if not halt, your career development: the attitude of "knowing it all already". I mean, is it any wonder that the people who say they "know it all already" are generally NOT the people who are actually DOING what they claim to know? Meanwhile, the true masters freely admit to not knowing it all and always learning?

So what's it going to be? Will you decide that you "already know all that", close off your mind to new knowledge and skills, and wonder why your career development has stalled? Or will you continue to embrace further opportunities to learn and evolve... and continue to progress? I know, it's kind of obvious: your best bet is to invest in your ongoing learning. And, really, ongoing learning is not just important for your career, but it's also important for your life: it's the only way to evolve as a person.

As an example, take the case of hairdresser who has spent 15 years cutting and styling people's hair. You might think that by the 15-year mark this hairdresser would know what there is to know about hairdressing. But new fashions and trends indicate the very opposite: there are new techniques, styles, products and hairstyling tools being invented - and to be learned - all the time.

It follows that a hairdresser who was serious about their career development would constantly be reading the latest hairdressing trade magazines, attending hairdressing conferences and shows, and be attempting new techniques, styles, products and tools.

In fact, my hairdresser is an example of this. She continues to learn and develop her skills and, as a result, is able to charge much, much more than what the average hairdresser can charge... the hairdresser who "knows it all" yet wonders why they are working in a suburban salon, earning minimal wages, and can't get ahead.

Therefore, try to catch yourself whenever you start thinking that you know everything there is to know. Chances are, there is always something more to learn. And if you take this view, and embrace new ideas, perspectives and understandings, you will be able to evolve and grow too - not just as a professional, but as a person too.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com